|Nortl|  (Carolina  j&tate 
^muersttg 


{This  book  tons  prescntch  by 

Leroy   Coggins 
Professor   Emeritus 
MPP-CVM 


iiiiiiii 

S00665147   T 


This  book  is  due  on  the  date  indicated 
below  and  is  subject  to  an  overdue 
fine  as  posted  at  the  circulation  desk. 


EXCEPTION:  Date  due  will  be 
earlier  if  this  item  is  RECALLED. 


150M/01  -92— 941680 


DISEASES 


OF 


Horses  and  Cattle 


WRITTEN   ESPECIALLY  FOR  THE 


FARMER.  STOCKMAN  AND  VETERINARY  STUDENT. 


by  d.  Mcintosh,  v.  s. 

Professor  of  Veterinary  Science  in  the  university  of  Illinois 
author  of  "The  Diseases  of  the  Pig." 


CHICAGO 

M.  A.  DONOHUE  &  CO. 


JOPYRIGHTED   BY    D.    MclNTOI* 

1IM. 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Abdomen,  dropsy  of  the 325 

Abortion 303 

Accidents  following  parturition.  330 

Acne 138 

Acute  catarrh 74 

Acute  farcy 183 

Acute  founder 248 

Acute  glanders 181 

Actinomycosis..  151 

Afterbirth,  retention  of 330 

Air  under  the  skin 140 

Alopecia ....  138 

Amaurosis...   292 

Aneurism 106 

Ankle,  bent. 361 

Anterior  iliac  spine,  fracture  of.  202 

Arteries,  injuries  to 104 

Azoturia 167 

Baldness    138 

Bent  Ankle 361 

Bladder,  inversion  of 126 

Bladder,  paralysis  of 125 

Black  leg 189 

Bleeding  from  the  nose 77 

Bleeding  from  the  lungs 85 

Blind  staggers 158 

Bloating  40 

Bloody  milk 345 

Blood  poisoning 191 

Blood  with  the  urine 116 

Body,  fistula  of 280 

Bogspavin 224 

Bones,  fracture  of 199 

Bones,  mode  of  union  of. 200 

Bone  spavin 227 

Bots 31 

Bowels,  inflammation  of 58 

Brain,  congestion  of 159 

Brain,  inflammation  of 157 

Broken  wind 88 

Bronchitis 81 

Bronchitis,  parasitical 365 

Burns 142 

Calculi 127 

Calculi,  cystic 127 

Calculi,  preputial —  132 

Calculi,  urethral.. 131 

Calf,  diarrhoea  in  the 359 

Calf,  husk  or  hoove  in  the 365 

Calf,  management  of  the 356 

Calf,  rheumatism  in  the 362 

Cancer,  epithelium 154 

Cancer,  melanotic      153 

Canker 266 

Capped  elbow 149 

Capped  hock 150 

Carbuncles  of  the  coronary  band  257 

Castration 374 

Catarrh,  acute 74 

Catarrh,  chronic 76 

Cataracts 297 

Cattle,  diseases  of  stomach  of . . .    40 
Cattle,  sore  feet  in 273 


PAGE 

Catarrhal  fever 171 

Cerebral  spinal  meningitis 161 

Champignon 376 

Chapped  or  cracked  teats       ....  344 

Choking- iu  horses 25 

Choking  in  cattle 27 

Chronic  catarrh 76 

Chronic  cough 95 

Chronic  farcy 183 

Chronic  founder .254 

Chronic  glanders. 179 

<;hronichoven..  42 

Chronic  suppuration. 377 

Coffin  bone,  diseases  of. 243 

Colic,  flatulent..     .   52 

Colic,  indigestible 57 

Colic,  spasmodic  50 

Colt,  weaning  of  the 363 

Congestion  of  the  brain 159 

Congestion  of  the  liver 71 

Congestion  of  the  lungs    84 

Constipation 358 

Contused  wounds.        286 

Contraction  of  the  foot 245 

Convulsions 156 

Cord,  hemorrhage  from  the 356 

Cord,  schirrhus  of  the 376 

Cornea,  ulcers  on  the 294 

Coronary  substance,  inflamma- 
tion of  the 255 

Corns 283 

Coronitis 255 

Cow  pox 346 

Cow,  signs  of  parturition  in  the  306 

Cracked  heels 146 

Cramps  of  muscle  of  stifle 224 

Cramps  of  muscle  of  thigh 222 

Crib-biting 34 

Curb 232 

Cystitis 121 

Cystic  calculi 127 

Description  of  the  kidney 113 

Diabetes,  insipidus 118 

Diarrhoea 60 

Diarrhoea  in  the  foal 358 

Diarrhce  in  the  calf 359 

Difficult  parturition 309 

Dilatation  of  the  heart 101 

Dilatation  of  the  stomach  of  the 

horse 34 

Dilatation  of  the  salivary  duct. .    24 

Disease,  navicular 246 

Diseases  of  bones     ....  199 

Diseases  of  the  coffin  bone 243 

Diseases  of  the  eye 289 

Diseases  of  tbe  foetus  which  im- 
pede delivery.  326 

Diseases  of  the  feet 235 

Diseases  of  the  generative  or- 
gans.    367 

Diseases  of  the  hock  joint 224 

Diseases  of  the  intestines f  0 

of  the  joints 208 


IN  I  >KX  —  Continued. 


PAGE 

Diseases  of  the  liver 70 

Diseases  of  the  lymphatics 108 

Diseases  of  the  mouth 18 

Diseases  of  the  nervous  83'8tem  155 
diseases  of  the  organs  of  circu- 
lation     97 

Diseases  of  the  organs  of  masti- 
cation      18 

Diseases  following  parturition.    830 
Diseases  of  the  respiratory  or- 
gans      74 

Diseases  of  the  salivary  glands. .    23 

Diseases  of  the  skin 134 

Diseases  of  the  stomach  of  cattle    40 
Diseases  of  the  stomach  of  the 

horse 31 

Diseases  of  the  teats  343 

Diseases  of  the  urinary  organs . .  1 13 

Dislocation  of  the  patella 205 

Dislocation  of  the  pastern  joint  207 

Distemper 175 

Diuresis H8 

Drcpsy  of  the  abdomen 325 

Dropsy  of  the  head 323 

Dropsy  of  the  Uterus 337 

Dry  murrain 45 

Dyspepsia 35 

Dysentery 61 

Eczema 134 

Elbow  joint,  lameness  of 210 

Elbow  capped. 210 

Elongated  teeth 19 

Embryotomy 227 

Emphysema 140 

Endocarditis 100 

Eneuresis 125 

Enlargement  of  the  heart..      .      103 
Enlargement  of  the  testicles....  373 

Enteritis     58 

Entropium  .   295 

Epistaxis 77 

Rpizootic  or  catarrhal  fever —    171 

Epithelium  cancer .  15< 

Eve,  diseases  of  the 289 

Eye.  worm  in  the.   .     295 

Eyeball,  punctures  to  the 293 

Eyelids,  inversion  of  the 295 

Eyelids,  wounds  to  the 296 

False  quarter. 258 

Farcy,  acute 183 

Farcy,  chronic 183 

Feet,  diseases  of  the 235 

iiilsinthe 270 

Feet,  weak 272 

Femur,  fracture  of 203 

Fetlock  joint,  sprainsof 216 

Fever,  inflammatory 189 

Fibrous  tumors 149 

Filaria  papillosa 295 

Fistula  of  the  body 2b0 

Fistula  salivary 24 

Fistula  of  the  scrotum 377 

Fistula  of  the  withers 276 

Flexor  tendon,  sprainsof  the...  214 

Foal,  diarrhoea  in  the 3r>8 

Foal,  management  of  the 3o6 

Foal,  rheumatism  in  the 362 

Foot,  punctures  to  the  sole  of.. . .  270 
Foot,  structure  of 236 


FAGS 

Founder,  acute 248 

Founder,  chronic 254 

Fractures  of  the  anterior  iliac 

spine        202 

Fractures  of  the  bones  —  199 

Fractures  of  the  femur     .   203 

Fractures  of  the  ischium 203 

Fractures  of  the  jaw.  22 

Fractures  of  the  patella 204 

Fractures  of  the  ribs 204 

Fungous  growths 370 

Fungus  haematodes 298 

Garget 338 

Gastritis 36 

Generative  organs,  diseases  of...  367 

Glanders,  acute 181 

Glanders,  chronic 179 

Glaucoma 202 

Gleet,  nasal 76 

Goitre 95 

Gonorrhea 367 

Grease .  ....  143 

Growths,  fungous 370 

Gullet,  inflammation  of ....    28 

Gullet,  ruptureof  ..  28 

Gut-tie 58 

Haemorrhoids 84 

Haemoptysis 85 

Haematuria 116 

Haemorrhajrica  purpuria 107 

Haemorrhagia 107 

Haemorrhage  from  the  cord 356 

Haemorrhage  venous 106 

Hay,  clover 264 

Head,  dropsy  of 323 

Heart,  enlargement  of 103 

Heart,  palpitation  of 97 

Heart,  rupture  of 103 

Heaves 88 

Heels,  cracked 146 

Hernia,  inguinal 67 

Hernia,  scrotal.. 68 

Hernia,  umbilical 67 

Hernia,  ventral 69 

Hepatitis 72 

Hidebound 1S4 

Hip,  wasting  of 220 

Hip  joint,  lameness  of 218 

Hock,  capped 150 

Hock  joint,  diseases  of 224 

Hock  j<  int,  injuries  to 233 

Horse  pox 186 

Hoven 40 

H oven,  chronic 42 

Husk  or  hoove  In  calves 366 

Hydrocele 372 

Hypertrophy 103 

Hypertrophy  of  the  kidneys.         121 

Idiopathic  ha?maturia 117 

Ilium,  fracture  of  the  shaft  of..  202 
Impaction  of  the  large  intestines    55 

Impaction  of  the  rumen 43 

Impaction  of  the  stomach  of  the 

horse 32 

Impaction  of  the  third  stomach.    45 

Incised  wounds 2*3 

Indigestion  in  cattle..  —       48 

Indigestible  colic 57 

Inflammation  of  bladder 181 


INDEX— Continued. 


PAGE 

Inflammation  of  bowels 58 

Inflammation  of  brain. 157 

Inflammation  <)f  coronary  sub- 
stance    255 

Inflammation  of  fourth  stomach 

of  cattle      47 

Inflammation  of  gullet 28 

Inflammation  of  kidneys 114 

Inflammation  of  liver 72 

Inflammation  of  lungs 86 

Inflammation  of  lymphatics....  109 
Inflammation  of  mouth .  . .  20 
Inflammation  of  parotid  gland . .  25 
Inflammation  of  pericardium ...  98 
Inflammation  of  sensitive  lami- 
nae   248 

Inflammation  of  spinal  cord 161 

Inflammation  of  the  stomach. . .    36 

Inflammation  of  testicles 371 

Inflammation  of  tongue 20 

Inflammation  of  udder 338 

Inflammation  of  urethra 367 

Inflammation  of  peins 107 

Inflammatory  fever 189 

Iofluenza 171 

Injuries  to  arteries 104 

Injuries  to  hock  joint 233 

Injuries  to  maxillary  joint 21 

Injuries  to  teats 343 

Instruments 310 

Intestines 50 

Intestines,  diseases  of 50 

Intestines,  impaction  of 55 

Intestinal  concretions 57 

Intussusception 58 

Inversion  of  bladder 126 

Inversion  of  eyelids 295 

Inversion   of  urino-genital  or- 
gans  332 

Inversion  of  uterus 334 

Inversion  of  vagina 333 

Ischium,  fracture  of 203 

Ischuria 119 

Jaundice 70 

Jaw,  fracture  of 22 

Joints,  diseases  of 208 

Joints,  swollen 362 

Karaloma 261 

Kidney,  diseases  of 113 

Kidney,  hypertrophy  of 121 

Kidney,  worm  in  the 121 

Lacerated  wounds. .  - 285 

Lachrymal  duct,  stricture  of . . . .  297 

Lameness  of  the  elbow  joint 210 

Lameness  of  the  hip  joint. 218 

Lameness  of  the  shoulder  joint.    210 

Lameness  of  the  stifle  joint 221 

Lampas 20 

Larangitis 78 

Lateral  cartilage,  ossification  of  244 

Leucorrhcea 372 

Liohen 137 

Lithotomy  in  the  horse 129 

Lithotomy  in  the  ox 131 

Liver,  diseases  of. 70 

Liver,  congestion  of 71 

Liver,  inflammation  of 72 

Local  paralysis 164 

Lock  jaw 165 


PAGE 

Lousiness 142 

Lumpy  jaw 151 

Lungs,  inflammation  of 86 

Lymphangitis...., 109 

Lymphoma .153 

Mad  itch 46 

Mammary  glands 337 

Mammitis 338 

Management  of  the  calf 356 

Management  of  the  foal 356 

Mange 140 

Maxillary  joint,  injuries  to 21 

Megrims  158 

Melanotic  tumors 153 

Milk  fever 350 

Mode  of  union  of  bones 800 

Mouth,  diseases  of 18 

Mouth,  inflammation  of 20 

Mumps 25 

Nails  in  feet 270 

Nasal  gleet 76 

Navicular  disease 246 

Neck,  sore  on  top  of 213 

Nephritis 114 

Nettle-rash   136 

Obstruction  in  teats 343 

Open  joint 22 

Ophthalmia,  periodic 290 

Opthalmia,  simple 289 

Orchitis 371 

Organs  of  generation  in  mare 

and  cow 299 

Organs  of  circulation,  diseases 

of 97 

Ossification  of  the  lateral  cartil- 

„    age       244 

Ox,  lithotomy  in  the 131 

Palpitation  of  the  heart 97 

Paralysis  of  the  bladder 125 

Paralysis,  local 164 

Parasitical  bronchitis 365 

Paraphymosis 369 

Parotid  gland,  inflammation  of.  25 
Parturition,  accidents  following  330 
Parturition,  diseases  following..  330 
Parturition,  signs  of,  in  the  cow  306 
Parturition,  signs  of,  in  the  mare  305 

Pastern  joint,  dislocation  of 207 

Patella,  dislocation  of 205 

Pelvis,  fracture  of 203 

Pericarditis 98 

Pericardium,  inflammation  of. . .    98 

Periodic  opthalmia 290 

Peritonitis 378 

Phlebitis 107 

Phrenitis 157 

Phy  mosis 368 

Piles 64 

Pimohigus 137 

Pityriasis 132 

Placenta,  retention  of 330 

Pleurisy 91 

Pneumonia 86 

Poll  evil.  ...  2T9 

Polyuria 118 

Pregnancy,  signs  of 302 

Preputial,  calculi 132 

Prolapsus 64 

Prurigo 138 


INDEX— Continued. 


TAGE 

Punctures  to  the  eyebal  I 293 

Punctures  to  the  sole  of  foot...  270 

Punctured  wounds 285 

Purpuria  haemorrhagica 107 

Pyemia 191 

Quarter,  false 258 

Quittor 272 

Ranula 25 

Rectum, prolapsus  of 64 

Respiratory  organs,  diseases  of.     74 

Retention  of  urine 123 

Retention  of  placenta  or  after- 
birth  330 

Rheumatism 192 

Ribs,  fracture  of 204 

Ringbone 216 

Ringworm 142 

Rumen,  impaction  of 43 

Rupture  of  the  gullet 28 

Rupture   65 

tsali vary  fistula 24 

Salivary  glands,  diseases  of 23 

Sarcocele,  schirrhus  of ...  376 

Sand  crack 259 

Scalds 142 

Schirrhus  of  the  cord,  or  sarco- 
cele  376 

Scratches 146 

Scrotal  hernia 68 

Scrotum,  water  in 372 

Seedy  toe 262 

Sensitive  laminae,  inflammation 

of 248 

Shaft  of  the  ilium,  fracture  of..  202 

Shoeing  of  the  horse 238 

Shoulder  joint,  lameness  of 210 

Side  bone  244 

Si^ns  of  pregnancy  302 

Signs  of  parturition  in  the  cow..  306 
Signs  of  parturition  in  the  mare  305 

Simple  opthalmia 289 

Skin,  diseases  of 134 

Sole  of  foot,  punctures  to 270 

Sore  on  top  of  neck 213 

Sore  feet  in  cattle 873 

Sore  throat 78 

Spasms  156 

Spavin,  bog 224 

Spavin,  bones 227 

Spinal  cord,  inflammation  of 161 

Sprains  of  the  fetlock  joint 216 

Sprainsof  the  flexor  tendon —  214 
Sprains  of  the  muscles  of  hip. .  220 
Sprains  of  muscles  of  front  of 

stifle 220 

Sprains  of  the  suspensory  liga- 
ment  215 

Sterility 302 

Stomach  of  the  ox 38 

Stomach  of  the  horse      

Stomach  of  the  horse,  dilatation 

of  ... .  

Stomach  of  thehorse.  diseases  of 
Stomach  of  the  horse,  impac- 
tion of       

Stomach  of  cattle,  diseases  of . . . 

Stone  in  the  bladder 127 

Strangles.    175 

Stricture  of  the  lachrymal  duct  .  297 
Structure  of  the  foot  2J6 


Bl 


■10 


PAGB 

Sunstroke.  169 

.  Superpurgation 63 

Suppression  of  urine 1 19 

Suppuration,  chronic 377 

Surfeit 136 

Suspensory  ligament,  sprains  of.  216 

Sweeny 22 

Swelling  of  the  parts 376 

Swollen  ioints 362 

Teats,  injuries  to 343 

Teats,  obstruction  in..  ..  843 

Teats,  warts  on 344 

Teeth,  irregularities  of 18 

Testicles,  enlargement  of 373 

Tetanus 165 

Third  stomach,  impaction  of . . .      45 

Thorough-pin 226 

Thrush 285 

Tinea  tonsurous,  ringworm H7 

Tongue,  inflammation  of  20 

Tuberosity,  fracture  of 203 

Tuberculosis 196 

Tumors,  cystic 149 

Tumors,  fibrous 149 

Tumors  in  the  false  nostril  of  the 

horse  151 

Tumors,  melanotic 153 

Tympanitis  in  horses 68 

Tympanitis  in  cattle 40 

Udder,  inflammation  of 338 

Ulcers 370 

Ulcers  on  the  cornea 294 

Umbilical  hernia 67 

Urine,  blood  with  the 116 

Urine,  incontinence  of 125 

Urine,  retention  of      123 

Urine,  suppression  of 119 

Urinary  organs,  diseases  of....  118 

Urethral  calculi 131 

Urticaria 136 

Uterus,  dropsy  of 337 

Uterus,  inversion  of 334 

Vagina,  inversion  of 333 

Variola  equina 186 

Variola  vaccine 346 

Veins,  Inflammation  of 107 

Venous  haemorrhage 106 

Ventral  hernia 69 

Volvulus 58 

Warts 139 

Warts  on  eyelids  296 

Warts  on  teats 344 

Wasting  of  the  hip 220 

Wasting  of  the  musolesof  front 

of  stifle 220 

Weak  feet 272 

Weaning  of  the  colt  363 

White  scours 359 

Wind-sucking  35 

Wind  galls 216 

Withers,  fistula  of 27* 

Worms. .        380 

Worm  in  the  eye 295 

Worm  in  the  kidney 181 

Wounds 282 

Wounds,  contused 286 

Wounds,  incised 283 

Wounds,  lacerated 285 

Wound  3,  punctured. .    285 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Mastication. 

Diseases  of  the  Mouth— Irregularities  of  the  Teeth— Elon- 
gated Teeth — Lampas,  Inflammation  of  the  Mouth  and 
Tongue — Injuries  to  the  Maxillary  Joint — Fractures  of  the 
Jaw — Diseases  of  the  Salivary  Glands — Inflammation  of  the 
Parotid  Gland — Salivary  Fistula — Choking — Rupture  of  the 
Gullet— Inflammation  of  the  Gullet. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Diseases  of  the   Stomach   of  Horses  and   Cattle. 

Bots — Impaction  of  the  Stomach  of  the  Horse — Dilatation  of 
the  Stomach — Crib-biting  and  Wind-sucking — Dyspepsia — 
Gastritis — Stomach  of  the  Ox— Tympanitis  or  Hoven— 
Chronic  Hoven  in  Cattle — Impaction  of  the  Rumen— Impac- 
tion of  the  Third  Stomach. 

CHAPTER  III. 

Diseases  of  the  Intestines. 

Colic— Spasmodic  Colic— Flatulent  Colic  or  Bloating — Impac- 
tion of  the  Intestines — Indigestible  Colic — Enteritis,  In- 
flammation of  the  Bowels — Diarrhoea — Dysentery — Super- 
purgation— Haemorrhoids  or  Piles— Prolapsus,  Protrusion 
of  the  Rectum— Hernia,  Rupture— Umbilical  Hernia— 
Scrotal  Hernia— Ventral  Hernia. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Diseases  of  the  Liver. 

Jaundice— Congestion  of  the  Liver— Hepatitis,  Inflammation 
of  the  Liver. 


4  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  V. 
Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  Organs. 
Nasal  Gleet — Chronic  Catarrh — Acute  Catarrh — Laryngitis, 
Sore  Throat— Epistaxis,  Bleeding  from  the  Nose— Bron- 
chitis— Congestion  of  the  Lungs — Pneumonia,  Inflammation 
of  the  Lungs— Heaves,  Broken  Wind— Pleurisy— Chronic 
Cough— Haemoptysis,  Bleeding  from  the  Lungs. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Circulation. 

Palpitation  of  the  Heart— Pericarditis— Endocarditis— Dilata- 
tion of  the  Heart— Hypertrophy— Injuries  to  the  Arteries- 
Aneurism — Venous  Hemorrhage — Phlebitis — Diseases  of  the 
Lymphatics— Lymphangitis— Purpura  Hemorrhagica. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Diseases  of  the  Urinary  Organs. 

Description  of  the  Kidney — Nephritis,  Inflammation  of  the 
Kidney — Haematuria,  Blood  with  the  Urine — Idiopathic 
Haematuria — Polyuria,  Diureses,  Diabetes  Insipidus — 
Ischuria,  Suppression  of  Urine — Worms  in  the  Kidney — 
Cystitis,  Inflammation  of  the  Bladder — Retention  of  Urine — 
Paralysis  of  the  Bladder — Enuresis,  Incontinence  of 
Urine — Calculi— Lithotomy  in  the  Ox— Urethral  Calculi— 
Preputial  Calculi. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Diseases  of  the  Skin. 

Hide-Bound— Eczema— Urticaria,  Nettle-Rash  or  Surfet— 
Lichen — Pimphigus — Purigo — Acne  —  Pityriasis  —  Alopecia, 
Baldness — Warts — Emphysema^  Air  under  the  Skin — Mange 
—Lousiness— Scalds  and  Burns— Grease— Scratches  or 
Cracked  Heels  in  Horses— Ringworm. 

CHAPTER  IX. 
Tumors. 
Fibrous      Tumors— Cystic      Tumors— Capped      Hock— Capped 
Elbow— Cysted  Tumors  in  the  False  Nostril  of  the  Horse— 
Actinomycosis,  Lumpy-jaw — Melanosis — Lymphoma — Epithe- 
lial Cancer. 


CONTENTS.  5 

CHAPTER  X. 

Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System. 
Spasms    and    Convulsions— Phrenitis,    Inflammation    of    the 
Brain— Megrims— Congestion     of     the     Brain— Sunstroke— 
Cerehral    Spinal    Meningitis— Local    Paralysis— Lock-jaw— 
Azoturia. 

CHAPTER  XI. 
Influenza,  Epizootic  or  Catarrhal  Fever. 

CHAPTER  .XII. 
Distemper.     (Strangles.) 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
Farcy.    (Glanders.) 
Acute  Farcy— Chronic  Farcy. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
Horse  Pox.     (Variola  Equina.) 

CHAPTER  XV. 
Black-leg.    (Inflammatory  Fever.) 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
Rheumatism. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
Tuberculosis. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Fractures  of  Bones. 
Fractures— Mode  of  Union— Fracture  of  the  Anterior  Iliac 
Spine— Fracture  of  the  Shaft  of  the  Ilium— Fracture  of  the 
Pelvis— Fracture  of  the  Tuberosity  of  the  Ischium— Frac- 
ture of  the  Femur  (Thigh  Bone)— Fracture  of  the  Stifle 
Joint  or  Patella— Fracture  of  the  Ribs— Dislocation  of  tke 
Patella  (Stifle  Bone)— Dislocation  of  the  Pastern  Joint. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
Diseases  of  Joints. 
Elbow   Joint   Lameness— Shoulder   Joint   Lameness— Sore   on 
Top  of  Neck— Sprain  of  the  Flexor  Tendon  (Back  Tendon) 
—Sprain  of  the  Suspensory  Ligament— Sprain  of  the  Fetlock 


6  CONTENTS. 

Joint — Wind-galls— Ringbone — Hip  Joint  Lameness — Strain 
and  Wasting  of  the  Muscles  of  the  Hip— Strain  and  Wasting 
of  the  Crural  Muscles  (Muscles  in  Front  of  Thigh  Bone) — 
Stifle  Joint  Lameness — Cramps  of  the  Muscles  of  the  Thigh 
— Cramps  of  the  Stifle  Muscles — Diseases  of  the  Hock  Joint 
— Bog  Spavin — Thorough-Pin — Eone-Spavin — Curb — Injuries 
to  the  Hock  Joint. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Diseases  of  the  Feet. 
Structure  of  the  Foot — Shoeing  the  Horse — Diseases  of  the 
Coffin  Bone — Ossification  of  the  Lateral  Cartilage  (Side  Bone) 
— Contraction  of  the  Foot — Navicular  Disease — Laminitis 
(Founder) — Chronic  Laminitis — Coronitis,  Inflammation  of 
the  Coronary  Substance — Carbuncles — False  Quarter — Sand 
Crack — Karaloma  (Horny  Tumor) — Seedy  Toe — Corns — 
Thrush — Canker — Punctures  to  the  Sole  of  the  Foot  by 
Nails— Weak  Feet— Quittor— Sore  Feet  in  Cattle. 

CHAPTER    XXI. 
Fistula  of  the  Withers — Poll  Evil— Fistulas  in  Various  Parts 
of  the  Body. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
Wounds. 
Kinds     of    Wounds — Incised     Wounds — Lacerated     Wounds — 
Contused  Wounds — Punctured  Wounds. 
CHAPTER    XXIII. 
Diseases  of  the  Eye. 
Simple  Ophthalmia— Periodic  Ophthalmia  —Glaucoma— Amau- 
rosis— Punctures   to   the   Eyeball — Ulcers   on   the   Cornea — 
Filaris   Papillosa    (Worm   in  the  Eye)—  Entropium    (Inver- 
sion of  the  Eyelids) — Warts  on  the  Eyelids — Wounds  to  the 
Eyelids— Stricture  of  the  Lachrymal  Duct — Cataracts. 

CHAPTER   XXIV. 

Organs  of  Generation. 

Sterility — Signs  of  Pregnancy — Abortion. 

CHAPTER   XXV. 

Parturition. 

Signs  of  Parturition  in  the  Mare — Signs  of  Parturition  in  the 

Cow— Instruments— Difficult     Parturition— Diseases    of    the 


CONTENTS.  7 

Foetus   Which   Impede   Delivery— Dropsy   of  Head— Dropsy 
of  Abdomen — Embryotomy. 

CHAPTER    XXVI. 

Accidents  and  Diseases  Following  Parturition. 
Retention  of  the  Placenta  or  Afterbirths— Inversion  of  the 
Urino-Genital  Organs — Inversion  of  the  Bladder — Inversion 
of  the  Vagina — Inversion  of  the  Uterus — Dropsy  of  the 
Uterus — Mammary  Glands  or  Udder — Mammitis,  Inflamma- 
tion of  the  Udder — Garget — Diseases  and  Injuries  to  the 
Teats — Obstruction  in  Teat — Warts  on  Teats — Chapped  or 
Cracked  Teats— Bloody  Milk — Cow  Pox  (Variola  Vaccine)— 
Milk  Fever. 

CHAPTER    XXVII. 
Management  of  the  Foal  and  Calf. 
Hemorrhage  from   the   Cord— Constipation— Diarrhoea— Diar- 
rhoea   in    Calves     (White    Scours)— Bent     Ankle— Swollen 
Joints— Rheumatism— Weaning  the  Colt — Clover  Hay— Para- 
sitical Bronchitis,  Husk  or  Hoose  in  Calves. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 
Diseases  of  the  Generative  Organs. 
Gonorrhea — Phymosis — Paraphymosis — Ulcers  and  Fungous 
Growths — Orchitis — Hydrocele — Chronic  Enlargements  of 
the  Testicles — Leucorrhea — Castration — Swelling  of  the 
Parts— Champignon,  Scirrhus  of  the  Cord  or  Sarcocele— 
Chronic  Suppuration  or  Fistula  of  the  Scrotum— Peritonitis. 

CHAPTER   XXIX. 
Worms. 
Round    Worm — Pin   Worm — Spiroptera   Megastoma — Stomach 
Fluke  of  Cattle — Strongylus— Kidney  Worm — Tape  Worm- 
Palisade  Worm. 


PREFACE. 


In  consequence  of  the  urgent  solicitations  of 
numerous  farmer  friends  that  I  should,  for  their 
benefit,  and  that  of  thousands  of  other  farmers  and 
stockmen  in  the  United  States,  publish  my  twenty- 
five  years'  experience  in  the  treatment  of  horses  and 
cattle,  I  have  undertaken  this  work,  especially  on 
account  of  my  new  discoveries  in  the  treatment  of 
some  diseases,  by  which  they  have  greatly  bene- 
fited, such  as  the  discovery  of  the  true  nature  of 
that  very  fatal  disease  known  as  "Milk  Fever." 
The  theory  which  was  taught  and  written  on  this 
subject,  namely,  Parturient  Apoplexy  or  Conges- 
tion of  the  Brain  and  Spinal  Cord,  is  not  correct,  the 
disease  being  purely  of  a  nervous  character,  caus- 
ing a  partial  paralysis  of  the  spinal  cord  and  brain, 
and  when  treated  accordingly  the  majority  of  cases 
recover.  This  has  been  of  great  pecuniary  value, 
as  thousands  of  valuable  cows  die  annually  from 
this  disease,  and  as  this  work  gets  into  the  hands 
of  the  greater  number  of  farmers  and  dairymen  it 
will  be  a  saving  of  thousands  of  dollars  to  them. 
My  new  methods  of  treating  "Fistula  of  the  With- 
ers," "Poil  Evil,"  and  all  kinds  of  wounds  from  barb 
wire,  will  be  worth  ten  times  the  price  of  the  book. 
Also  my  experience  in  the  care  of  horses'  feet,  and 


10  PREFACE. 

the  successful  treatment  of  the  same.  There  are 
also  some  new  and  valuable  hints  on  "Parturi- 
tion," which  will  enable  the  stockmen  and  farmers 
to  deliver  safely  those  difficult  cases  of  parturition 
in  both  mare  and  cow  without  the  use  of  instru- 
ments. All  other  diseases  are  treated  in  the  latest 
methods  by  the  medicines  with  which  I  have  had 
the  most  success.  This  volume  will  also  be  of  very 
great  service  to  the  student  in  veterinary  science, 
as  well  as  the  young  practitioner,  as  they  will  find 
the  experience  of  twenty-five  years  of  successful 
practice  and  teaching.  The  book  is  written  so  that 
anyone  can  understand  it,  technicalities  having 
been  avoided  as  far  as  possible.  The  need  of  such 
a  practical  work  on  the  diseases  of  horses  and  cat- 
tle has  long  been  felt,  and  in  offering  it  to  the  stock- 
man and  farmer  I  do  it  with  a  certain  knowledge 
that  it  will  accomplish  for  him  all  I  claim  for  it. 


INTRODUCTION 


METHODS  OP  ADMINISTERING  MEDICINE. 

There  are  several  ways  in  which  medicine  can 
enter  the  system :  By  the  mouth,  by  the  lungs  and 
air  passages  (by  inhalation),  under  the  skin  (hypo- 
dermic), and  by  the  rectum.  But  the  most  conven- 
ient and  safest  plan  for  the  farmer  and  stockman  is 
by  the  mouth.  One  form  is  the  ball,  which  is  made 
by  pulverizing  the  substance  and  mixing  it  with  a 
little  lard  or  syrup  to  the  consistency  of  a  dough 
for  making  bread,  then  roll  it  up  in  a  small  piece  of 
tissue  paper,  using  a  little  gum  to  make  it  stick. 
The  ball  should  not  be  too  large,  not  exceeding  the 
size  of  one's  thumb.  If  there  is  too  much  material 
make  it  into  two  balls  instead  of  having  one  too 
large.  Balls  should  be  used  fresh;  when  they  are 
old  and  hard  they  may  pass  through  without  being- 
digested.  Powders  should  be  finely  ground,  so  that 
they  will  dissolve  easily  in  the  stomach,  and  there- 
fore act  morequickly.  Medicine  in  the  form  of  pow- 
ders, such  as  sulphate  of  iron  and  copper,  are  too 
irritating  to  be  given  as  they  are,  as  they  would  ir- 
ritate the  mouth,  and  should  be  given  in  bran  mash 
or  oatmeal  gruel.  The  vegetable  powders,  such  as 
gentian,  are  too  bitter  to  give  in  mashes  to  horses, 


12  INTRODUCTION. 

but  cows  will  usually  take  them.  When  it  is  neces- 
sary to  give  a  horse  such  medicines  as  gentian  and 
mix  vomica,  if  it  will  not  eat  it  in  bran  mash,  give 
it  as  a  drench  in  a  quart  of  oatmeal  gruel.  Oils 
and  liquid  medicines  are  best  given  as  drenches, 
with  the  exception  of  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic, 
which  should  be  given  in  the  food.  Giving  the 
medicine  as  a  drench  is  the  easiest  method  for  the 
farmer  and  stockman  unless  he  has  a  balling  iron. 

Method  of  Giving  a  Drench  to  the  ITorse. — Put 
on  a  halter  with  a  nose  band,  then  take  a  small  rope 
or  strap  and  make  a  noose  about  a  foot  long,  push 
this  down  under  the  nose  band  of  the  halter, 
then  into  the  mouth,  and  by  this  noose  pull  up  the 
head  to  a  little  above  the  level  of  the  neck,  so  that 
the  medicine  will  not  run  down  out  of  the  mouth. 
If  the  animal  will  not  swallow  tickle  the  roof  of  the 
mouth  with  the  fingers  or  the  neck  of  the  bot- 
tle. Do  not  draw  out  the  tongue  nor  pinch  its 
throat,  as  it  may  cause  the  animal  to  cough,  and 
it  will  either  lose  the  medicine  in  its  mouth  or  some 
of  it  may  pass  into  the  windpipe.  Great  patience 
is  required  in  giving  a  horse  a  drench.  Medicine 
should  not  be  given  by  the  nose,  as  it  is  apt  to  get 
into  the  windpipe,  causing  great  irritation,  and 
probably  the  death  of  the  animal.  If  the  horse 
should  cough,  let  the  head  down  until  it  ceases,  then 
elevate  the  head  as  before.  Never  put  too  much  in 
its  mouth  at  once;  give  it  in  small  quantities,  and 
when  it  swallows  give  a  little  more,  and  so  on  until 
all  is  taken. 

Drenching  cattle  is  much  easier  accomplished 


INTRODUCTION.  13 

than  drenching  horses.  Their  pallet  is  short,  and 
they  cannot  retain  the  medicine  in  the  mouth  as 
the  horse  does.  In  drenching  cattle  one  man 
stands  on  the  left  side  of  the  animal  and  takes  hold 
of  its  horns;  if  it  has  no  horns  he  takes  hold  of  its 
ears,  or  places  his  arms  around  its  neck;  the  man 
that  gives  the  medicine  stands  on  the  right  side  and 
places  his  thumb  and  index  finger  in  the  animal's 
nose  and  holds  fast  to  it,  the  animal  of  its  own 
accord  then  holds  up  its  head;  have  the  bottle  con- 
taining the  medicine  in  the  right  hand,  place  the 
neck  of  the  bottle  into  the  side  of  the  mouth  and 
pour  in  a  little  at  a  time  as  the  animal  swallows  un- 
til all  is  taken.  Cattle  should  not  get  medicine  in 
ball  form,  as  it  would  likely  rjass  into  the  paunch 
and  remain  there  for  some  time.  Epsom  salts  is 
the  best  physic  for  cattle  in  ordinary  cases  where 
a  physic  is  needed.  The  dose  for  an  adult  cow  is 
from  one  to  one  and  a  half  pounds  mixed  with  from 
a  half  to  an  ounce  of  ginger,  dissolved  in  half  a  gal- 
lon of  cold  water.  For  a  two-year-old  three-fourths 
of  a  pound ;  for  a  one-year-old,  half  a  pound.  Aloes 
is  the  proper  physic  for  horses  unless  otherwise 
ordered.  Dose  for  an  adult  horse,  six  to  eight 
drams ;  for  a  three-year-old,  from  four  to  six  drams ; 
for  a  two-year-old,  three  to  five  drams;  raw  linseed 
oil  is  the  most  suitable  in  cases  of  irritation  of  the 
stomach,  bowels  and  kidneys;  dose,  one  pint  to  one 
quart. 

PULSE  OF  THE  HORSE. 

This  is  best  found  on  the  lower  jaw,  where  the 
artery  crosses  the  jaw  on  its  lower  edge,  about  two 


14  INTRODUCTION. 

inches  forward  from  its  angle.  The  pulse  beats  in 
the  horse  from  thirty-six  to  forty  per  minute  in 
health,  but  may  run  up  to  over  one  hundred  in 
disease. 

PULSE  OP  CATTLE. 

The  pulse  in  cattle  is  found  on  the  lower  jaw, 
about  the  same  place  as  in  the  horse,  only  a  little 
more  to  the  outside.  The  number  of  pulsations  per 
minute  in  the  cow  is  forty-five  to  fifty  in  health. 

TEMPERATURE. 

The  average  temperature  of  the  horse  in  health 
is  from  ninety-nine  and  a  half  to  one  hundred  and 
one  and  a  half;  in  cattle  ninety-nine  to  one  hundred 
and  two.  In  disease,  the  temperature  may  rise  as 
high  as  one  hundred  and  seven  or  even  higher  and 
the  animal  live.  In  animals  the  temperature  is 
best  taken  in  the  rectum;  the  instrument  can  be 
purchased  from  any  of  the  instrument  makers. 

RESPIRATION. 

When  respiration  is  undisturbed  it  usually  main- 
tains a  constant  standard.  In  the  adult  horse  it 
varies  from  nine  to  twelve  in  the  minute;  in  adult 
cattle  from  fifteen  to  twenty.  It  is  faster  in  young 
animals.  Exercise  increases  for  the  time  being  the 
number;  but  after  the  animal  has  rested  for  a  few 
minutes  it  falls  to  its  normal  standard.  If  it  should 
keep  up  after  being  rested  it  indicates  that  there  is 
some  disturbance;  in  this  case  the  pulse  should  be 
examined,  and  if  it  is  not  accelerated,  that  will  indi* 
cate  that  there  is  nothing  serious;   on  the  other 


INTRODUCTION.  15 


hand,  if  it  should  be  accelerated,  it  will  indicate 
that  the  animal  is  sick.  Both  horses  and  cattle 
will  breathe  a  little  faster  and  heavier  when  their 
stomachs  are  distended. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER  I. 

DISEASES   OP   THE   ORGANS  OF   MASTICATION. 

The  diseases  and  mechanical  impediments  to  the 
mouth  and  teeth  are  very  common  in  the  horse,  and 
they  are  often  overlooked  until  the  animal  is  very 
much  emaciated.  A  horse  was  brought  to  me  in 
the  following  condition :  Saliva  dropping  from  the 
mouth,  and  if  the  animal  was  offered  food  it  would 
greedily  take  it  into  its  mouth  and  try  to  chew  it, 
then  drop  it  out,  and  if  water  was  given  it  would 
try  to  drink,  but  could  swallow  very  little  of  it. 
The  horse  had  been  in  this  condition  for  five  days, 
and  had  lost  flesh  rapidly,  and  was  weak.  I  exam- 
ined the  mouth  and  could  not  see  anything  wrong 
at  first,  but  the  symptoms  indicated  that  the 
trouble  was  in  the  mouth.  I  twitched  the  nose, 
and  taking  the  tongue  in  my  hand,  drawing  it  to 
one  side  and  passing  the  tooth  rasp  between  the 
cheek  and  the  molar  teeth,  I  discovered  that  the 
fourth  molar  tooth  was  split,  the  smallest  portion 
sticking  partially  in  the  gum  and  muscles  of  the 
cheek.     This  I  removed  by  pressing  the  end  of  the 


18  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

rasp  against  it.  The  horse  began  to  eat  at  once. 
Another  horse  showed  the  same  symptoms  except 
that  it  could  swallow  water.  In  this  case  I  found 
a  piece  of  corn  cob  wedged  between  the  upper  mo- 
lar teeth;  so  firm  was  it  fixed  that  I  had  to  cut  it 
before  it  could  be  removed.  Another  case  to  illus- 
trate an  injury  to  the  tongue.  The  animal  could 
eat  soft  food,  but  hay,  oats,  and  corn  dropped  out 
of  (lie  mouth  as  soon  as  it  was  taken  in.  The  symp.- 
toms  were  the  same  as  above.  I  examined  the 
mouth  and  found  that  the  tongue  was  cut  one-third 
of  the  way  through,  and  the  sore  had  become  un- 
healthy, as  the  animal  had  been  in  this  condition 
three  weeks.  I  cleaned  the  wound  and  touched  it 
with  nitrate  of  silver  to  destroy  the  unhealthy  part, 
then  used  to  heal  it:  Glycerine,  two  ounces;  tinc- 
ture of  catechu, one  ounce;  alum,  one  dram,  shaken 
up  well,  and  applying;  a  little  to  the  sore  with  a 
feat  her  twice  daily.  The  animal  was  fed  on  ground 
oats  and  bran  until  the  wound  healed.  There  are 
numbers  of  cases  which  I  could  enumerate  where 
if  the  owner  had  examined  the  mouth  he  would 
have  saved  the  poor  animal  from  suffering  and 
himself  trouble  and  expense. 

IRREGULARITIES  OF  THE  TEETH. 

The  outer  edges  of  the  upper  molars  and  the  in- 
ner edges  of  the  lower  molars  are  sharp  and  some- 
times cut  the  cheeks  or  the  tongue  and  prevent  the 
horse  from  eating  well.  This  is  best  remedied  by 
rasping  off  the  sharp  points,  taking  care  not  to 
rasp  the  grinding  surface  of  the  tooth. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  19 

Elongated  Teeth. — Sometimes  we  will  find  one 
or  more  of  the  molar  teeth  elongated,  and  interfer- 
ing with  mastication.  In  this  case  the  elongated 
portion  requires  to  be  cut  off  and  the  edges  rasped. 
Young  horses  from  two  to  four  years  old  suffer 
from  the  development  of  permanent  molars  in  their 
sockets  behind  the  temporary  ones  before  they 
drop  out,  causing  a  swelling  of  the  jaw.  If  there 
is  a  discharge  from  the  nose,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
remove  the  temporary,  and  in  some  cases  the  per- 
manent ones  also.  If  there  is  no  discharge,  it  is 
best  not  to  interfere,  and  as  soon  as  the  temporary 
tooth  drops  out  and  the  permanent  one  grows 
down  the  swelling  will  disappear.  Horses  suffer 
sometimes  from  decayed  teeth.  The  symptoms  are 
well  described  by  Bouley.  First:  Remarkable 
fetor,  which  is  peculiar  to  the  disease,  and  per- 
vades the  mouth  and  the  saliva  within  it.  Second : 
Flow  of  saliva  from  the  mouth.  Third:  The  ap- 
pearance of  a  black  spot  on  the  carious  tooth,  or  a 
cavity  varying  in  extent  according  to  the  duration 
of  the  disease.  Fouth :  Sharp  pain  indicated  when 
the  tooth  is  struck  by  any  instrument.  Fifth: 
Swelling  of  the  gums,  redness  and  pain  around  the 
diseased  tooth.  Sixth:  The  accumulation  of  food 
about  the  diseased  tooth,  and  which,  undergoing 
putrefaction,  produces  the  most  repulsive  smell. 
It  should  be  removed  and  the  £art  cleaned  out  once 
a  day  for  a  few  days  and  washed  with  a  teaspoonful 
of  carbolic  acid  in  a  pint  of  water. 


20  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

LAMPAS. 

Lainpas  is  a  swelling  of  the  mucous  membrane 
called  the  bars.  This  is  no  disease,  but  the  result 
of  the  development  of  the  teeth  causing  an  in- 
creased quantity  of  blood  to  the  part,  which  will 
pass  away  as  soon  as  the*  teeth  are  full  grown.  In 
very  bad  cases  a  few  pricks  with  a  suture  needle 
and  bathing  the  mouth  with  a  teaspoonful  of  alum 
in  half  a  pint  of  cold  water  will  relieve  it  for  a  time. 
The  animal  should  be  fed  on  soft  food.  In  horses 
that  have  a  full  mouth  of  teeth,  give  a  dose  of  aloes, 
one  ounce;  soda  carbonate,  half  an  ounce;  ground 
ginger,  half  an  ounce;  dissolve  in  half  pint  of  boil- 
ing water,  then  add  half  a  pint  more  of  cold  water 
and  give  at  one  dose. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  MOUTH  AND  TONGUE. 

This  is  usually  the  result  of  giving  too  irritating- 
medicine  or  the  animal  eating  some  acid  plants 
among  the  grass  or  hay.  The  symptoms  are  swell- 
ing of  the  tongue,  dribbling  of  saliva,  and  if  the 
swelling  is  great  the  tongue  will  be  protruded  from 
the  mouth,  which  being  open,  gives  the  animal  a 
peculiar  appearance;  the  breathing  is  loud  and 
rough,  and  the  animal  is  unable  to  eat  or  drink  and 
would  soon  die  if  not  relieved.  A  horse  presenting 
the  above  symptoms  was  brought  to  me  in  the 
morning  and  I  used  the  following:  Acetate  of  lead, 
one' ounce,  dissolved  in  half  a  gallon  of  water;  I 
tied  a  piece  of  string  to  a  soft  sponge  and  wet  it 
with  the  lotion  and  pressed  it  as  far  into  the  mouth 
as  possible;  I  then  withdrew  it  and  in  ten  minutes 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  21 

repeated  the  operation,  and  so  on  until  afternoon. 
The  swelling  had  gone  down  so  that  the  animal 
could  drink  some  water  and  by  the  following  morn- 
ing the  animal  could  eat  soft  food.  I  have  used  this 
treatment  in  several  cases  of  the  same  kind  with 
the  best  results.  There  is  no  danger  of  poisoning 
with  the  lead  lotion,  as  the  greater  part  of  it  will 
drop  out.  Lolling  the  tongue  may  be  a  habit  or  it 
may  be  caused  by  paralysis  of  the  muscles  of  the 
tongue.  If  it  is  the  former,  it  will  only  do  it  when 
the  bit  is  in  the  mouth.  If  the  latter,  it  will  hang 
out  all  the  time.  In  cases  of  paralysis  give  one 
dram  of  nux  vomica  and  two  drams  of  sulphate  of 
iron  at  a  dose  in  bran  mash  once  a  day,  and  con- 
tinue it  for  three  weeks  if  necessary.  There  is  no 
remedy  for  lolling  the  tongue  when  it  is  a  habit. 

INJURIES   TO   THE   MAXILLARY  JOINT. 

This  joint  is  situated  in  front  of  the  ear  where 
the  lower  jaw  forms  a  joint  with  the  temporal  bone, 
and  although  well  protected,  it  is  liable  to  injuries 
from  kicks  or  blows.  When  the  part  is  hot  and 
swollen  it  interferes  with  mastication,  and  is  best 
treated  by  putting  on  a  halter  and  tightening  the 
nose  band  so  that  the  animal  cannot  move  its  jaw. 
Then  foment  the  part  with  hot  water  for  half  an 
hour  three  or  four  times  daily  and  rub  in  well  a  lit- 
tle of  the  following  liniment:  Tincture  of  opium, 
two  ounces;  tincture  of  arnica,  two  ounces;  tinc- 
ture of  aconite,  one  ounce;  water,  half  pint.  Or, 
acetate  of  lead,  half  ounce;  tincture  of  arnica,  two 
ounces;  water,  one  quart.     Shake  up  well  and  ap- 


22  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

ply  a  little  three  times  a  day.  After  the  inflamma- 
tion has  been  reduced,  apply  a  blister:  of  eanthar- 
ides,  two  drams;  lard,  one  and  a  half  ounces,  if 
necessary. 

Open  Joint. — It  sometimes  happens  that  the 
wound  penetrates  the  joint  and  allows  the  synovia 
to  escape.  This  can  be  ascertained  by  the  slippery, 
oil}'  feeling  it  has  between  the  fingers.  Treatment 
— Reduce  the  inflammation  by  applying  the  above 
lotion  and  also  using  a  blister  of  cantharides. 
Keep  the  jaws  quiet  by  putting  on  the  halter  and  a 
tight  nose  band.  Feed  the  animal  on  oatmeal 
gruel,  as  it  can  suck  this  through  its  teeth  while 
the  nose  band  is  on. 

Fractures  of  the  Jaw. — The  upper  jaw  is  not  sub- 
ject to  this  kind  of  injury,  but  the  lower  jaw  is  lia- 
ble to  be  fractured  by  kicks,  falls  and  blows.  Frac- 
ture of  a  portion  of  the  jaw  may  result  from  the 
animal's  biting  a  hard  substance.  When  the  bone 
is  broken  a  grating  sound  will  be  heard ;  in  young 
animals  the  jaw  may  be  split  in  the  center,  as  this 
bone  is  joined  in  front  in  the  young  by  fibrocarti- 
lage,  and  in  the  adult  it  hardens  into  bone.  The 
fracture  may  be  a  compound  one,  and  the  bone  may 
be  splintered  and  the  skin  and  soft  parts  wound- 
ed. Symptoms. — Difficult  mastication,  sometimes 
slight  bleeding,  slavering,  swelling,  and  a  distinct 
grating  of  the  ends  of  the  broken  bone.  Treat- 
ment.— In  longitudinal  fractures  of  the  chin,  tie 
the  parts  firmly  together  by  twisting  wire  around 
the  central  incisor  teeth,  so  as  to  hold  the  bones 
together,  and  bathe  the  part  several  times  daily 


.      DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  23 

with  acetate  of  lead,  half  ounce;  water,  one  quart. 

In  fractures  of  the  neck  of  the  jaw,  a  piece  of 
smooth  wood  should  be  placed  in  the  hollow  be- 
tween the  jaw  bones,  and  another  piece  placed  on 
the  outside  of  the  fractured  bone,  then  put  a  strong 
bandage  around  the  jaws  and  put  on  the  halter 
with  the  nose  band  buckled  tight  enough  to  keep 
the  jaws  from  moving.  If.  the  part  is  swollen, 
bathe  it  several  times  a  day  with  acetate  of  lead, 
half  an  ounce;  water,  one  quart.  Keep  up  the  ani- 
mal's strength  by  giving  milk  and  oatmeal  gruel, 
as  much  as  it  can  suck  through  the  mouth  with  the 
tight  nose  band  on.  In  some  cases  the  bone  may 
be  splintered.  The  loose  pieces  of  bone  will  have 
to  be  removed  and  the  wound  left  open  so  that  it 
can  be  dressed.  Use  for  this  purpose,  carbolic  acid, 
one  dram;  acetate  of  lead,  half  an  ounce;  sulphate 
of  zinc,  half  an  ounce;  water,  one  quart. 

Diseases  of  the  Salivary  Glands. — The  secretions 
of  saliva  are  very  much  decreased  in  all  fevers,  es- 
pecially the  water,  and  as  a  result,  the  sick  animal 
has  a  hot,  clammy  mouth.  Some  kinds  of  food,  un- 
der certain  conditions,  will  cause  a  great  increase 
in  the  flow  of  saliva.  This  is  noticed  when  a 
horse  is  turned  into  a  pasture  field  which  contains 
a  good  deal  of  white  clover,  when  it  is  wet  with 
dew  or  rain.  Experiments  made  with  the  clover 
at  the  station  did  not  yield  any  satisfactory  results. 
If  the  animal  is  badly  affected  the  flow  of  saliva 
can  be  arrested  by  injecting  cold  water  into  the 
mouth,  or  if  the  animal  is  taken  to  a  stable  and 
given  a  feed  of  dry  oats,  it  will  stop  in  an  hour  or 


24  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

two.  Dilatation  of  tin1  salivary  duel  is  sometimes 
seen   to    the   horse     The  duct  from  the  parotid 

gland  sometimes  -vis  closed  np  by  a  grain  of  oats 
or  other  grain  getting  into  the  mouth  of  the  duct, 
which  opens  into  the  mouth  at  the  third  molar 
tooth.  Symptoms  of  this  is  a  swelling  on  the  side 
of  the  cheek  about  half  way  between  the  nose  and 
the  eye;  it  is  soft  to  the  touch.  Examine  the  in- 
side of  the  cheek,  and  if  there  is  anything  in  the 
mouth  of  the  duct  remove  it  and  pass  a  probe  up  it 
and  the  accumulated  fluid  will  run  out.  Some- 
times by  pressing  gently  on  the  enlarged  duct  to- 
wards the  mouth  it  may  force  it  out.  I  have  suc- 
ceeded in  removing  it  in  this  way.  If  all  other 
means  fail,  open  it  with  the  knife  and  remove  the 
cause,  and  bring  the  edges  of  the  wound  together 
by  putting  a  pin  through  them  and  tying  a  thread 
around  the  pin,  letting  it  remain  in  until  it  sloughs 
off.  If  any  swelling  should  take  place  foment  it 
with  hot  water  and  apply  acetate4  of  lead,  half  an 
ounce;  tincture  of  arnica,  two  ounces;  water,  one 
quart. 

Salivary  Fistula. — From  accident  an  opening  is 
made  into  the  salivary  duct  and  allows  the  saliva 
to  run  down  the  cheek,  matting  the  hair  as  if  gly- 
cerine had  been  rubbed  on.  Treatment. — Shave 
off  the  hair  and  put  on  strips  of  collodion  or  ad- 
hesive plaster  three  or  four  layers  deep.  Keep  all 
solid  food  from  the  animal  for  at  least  twenty-four 
hours.  Lei  the  plaster  remain  on  as  long  as  it  will, 
and  if  not  stopped  when  it  comes  off,  apply  again. 
If  this  fails,  rub  on  cantharides,  two  drains;    lard, 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  25 

one  and  a  half  ounces;  protect  the  wound  by  put- 
ting on  a  little  lard. 

Ranula  is  a  name  given  to  a  blocking  up  of  the 
duct  of  the  submaxillary  gland,  which  opens  at 
each  side  of  the  tongue.  We  usually  find  a  swell- 
ing about  the  size  of  a  hen's  egg  at  each  side  of  the 
tongue.  Tumors  have  been  described  as  abscesses 
or  cysts;  they  are  soft  to  the  touch  and  may  inter- 
fere with  mastication  Treatment. — Open  them 
with  the  knife  and  bathe  the  mouth  with  alum,  one 
dram;  water,  half  a  pint. 

MUMPS    (INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    PAROTID    GLAND). 

This  is  seen  in  both  horses  and  cattle  and  is 
caused  by  being  confined  in  close  stables  that  are 
over-heated.  The  animal  is  seized  with  symptoms 
of  sore  throat,  considerable  fever  with  cough  and 
difficult  breathing,  and  in  some  cases  it  may  pre- 
vent the  animal  from  swallowing.  It  may  affect 
one  or  both  sides.  It  may  lead  to  suppuration  if 
not  attended  to  early.  Treatment. — Foment  the 
parts  with  hot  water  three  times  a  day  or  apply  a 
hot  linseed  meal  poultice.  After  the  inflammation 
has  been  subdued,  if  there  is  any  hard  swelling  ap- 
ply a  mild  blister  of  biniodide  one  part  to  twelve  of 
vaseline. 

Choking. — This  is  an  accident  which  is  of  com- 
mon occurrence  in  horses  and  cattle.  A  common 
cause  in  the  horse  is  swallowing  dry  oats  without 
chewing  them.  Some  horses,  when  they  are  hun- 
gry, bolt  their  oats.  I  have  also  seen  horses  which 
have  been  kept  on  grass  for  a  long  time,  bolt  their 


26  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

oats  when  getting  their  first  feed.  I  have  been 
railed  up  on  several  occasions  when  a  horse  had 
been  turned  out  to  grass  without  getting  any  oats, 
and  on  getting  a  feed  would  swallow  them.  The 
result  would  be  choking  from  the  dry  oats  sticking 
in  the  gullet.  The  treatment  is  to  give  a  little  oil, 
then  rub  the  hand  up  and  down  the  gullet  to  scat- 
ter the  accumulation.  It  may  be  necessary  to  give 
a  little  oil  several  times  and  continue  the  rubbing, 
as  it  may  take  some  time  to  overcome  the  choking. 
In  case  that  no  oil  is  at  hand  I  have  relieved  cases 
by  pouring  down  some  water.  Anything  that  will 
moisten  the  oats  will  assist.  In  cases  when  the 
animal  cannot  be  relieved  by  this  treatment,  cut 
down  on  the  gullet  with  the  knife,  making  an  inci- 
sion and  removing  the  material.  Clean  the  wound 
and  bring  the  vd^*  of  the  gullet  together  firmly 
with  silk  thread  or  catgut,  letting  the  ends  hangout 
of  the  external  wound,  then  bring  the  edges  of  the 
skin  together,  then  put  a  bandage  around  and  keep 
it  wet  with  cold  water  for  twenty-four  hours,  and  it 
will  usually  heal.  Give  the  animal  soft  food.  There 
are  other  causes  of  choking  in  the  horse  which  are 
difficult  to  cure — foreign  bodies,  such  as  pieces  of 
wood,  a  potato  or  piece  of  corn  cob  sticking  in  the 
throat.  This  form  gives  rise  to  very  severe  symp- 
toms. The  animal  arches  its  neck  and  tries  to 
vomit,  the  back  is  also  arched  and  saliva  flows  from 
the  mouth,  and  if  the  animal  is  not  soon  relieved, 
in  i lamination  of  the  throat  takes  place  and  the  ani- 
mal dies  from  suffocation  and  exhaustion.  It  is 
necessary  to  put  a  twitch  on  the  nose  and  a  balling 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  27 

iron  in  the  mouth  to  keep  it  open.  If  you  have  not 
a  balling  iron,  the  iron  stirrup  of  the  saddle  will 
answer.  Put  this  in  the  mouth  to  keep  it  open, 
then  pass  the  hand  through  it  and  into  the  throat 
and  feel  for  the  offending  body  and  remove  it,  if 
possible.  If  it  is  a  potato  or  piece  of  cob  it  may 
be  removed  by  giving  a  little  oil,  then  pressing  on 
the  outside  of  the  throat  it  may  be  pressed  up  and 
the  animal  cough  it  out.  The  horse  probang  can 
be  used  with  success  in  some  cases. 

Choking  in  Cattle. — This  is  usually  caused  by 
swallowing  a  potato,  apple,  piece  of  turnip  or  car- 
rot or  a  piece  of  corn  cob.  No  matter  what  part  of 
the  gullet  it  is  lodged  in,  it  causes  great  distress. 
The  animal  coughs,  saliva  runs  from  the  mouth, 
eyes  bulge  out,  back  arched,  and  bloating  also 
takes  place.  If  it  is  in  the  upper  part  of  the  gullet 
the  animal  soon  dies  from  suffocation.  If  it  is  in 
the  middle  or  lower  part  the  animal  may  live  for 
several  days.  If  it  is  in  the  upper  part  of  the 
throat  use  the  same  means  as  for  the  horse.  If  it 
cannot  be  removed  in  this  way,  use  the  probang, 
which  is  made  of  spiral  wire  covered  with  leather, 
and  will  bend  with  the  neck;  there  is  also  a  gag 
to  put  in  the  mouth  with  a  hole  in  the  center 
through  which  the  probang  passes;  oil  the  pro- 
bang  and  let  one  man  take  hold  of  the  animal's 
horns  or  ears  while  another  passes  the  probang 
through  a  hole  in  the  gag  and  back  into  the  gul- 
let. Press  gently  until  you  feel  the  object,  then  by 
steady  pressure  it  will  pass  into  the  stomach;  too 
much  force  should  not  be  used  in  case  of  rupturing 


28  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

the  gullet.  If  this  means  fails,  cut  down,  as  direct- 
ed above.  No  solid  food  should  be  given  for  a  day 
after. 

Rupture  of  the  Gullet. — This  is  caused  by  acci- 
dents during  the  passage  of  the  probang,  also  by 
pressing  whip  handles  and  broom  sticks.  No  un- 
yielding article  should  be  pressed  down  the  gullet, 
as  it  is  almost  sure  to  rupture  it.  I  have  known  of 
a  number  of  cases  of  death  by  parties  using  whip 
stocks  with  broom  handles.  If  you  have  not  a  pro- 
bang  (which  every  stockman  should  have — they 
can  be  gotten  at  any  of  the  instrument  makers  for 
three  or  four  dollars)  take  a  piece  of  rope  about 
three-fourths  to  one  inch  in  diameter,  frizz  out  a 
little  of  the  end  and  tie  a  piece  of  string  around  it 
to  form  a  soft  knob,  grease  this  well  and  it  will  sup- 
ply the  place  of  a  probang. 

Rupture  of  the  gullet  is  nearly  always  fatal.  In 
some  cases  cutting  down  on  the  part  and  paring 
the  edges  of  the  wound  and  bringing  them  to- 
gether as  described,  keeping  down  inflammation 
by  cold-water  bandages,  and  giving  the  animal 
gruel  for  food  until  it  heals,  is  of  use. 

Inflammation  of  the  Gullet. — This  is  usually 
caused  from  choking  or  the  use  of  the  probang,  also 
from  giving  too  irritant  medicine,  not  sufficiently 
diluted.  A  case  of  this  kind  came  under  my  notice 
A  horse  was  suffering  from  colic,  and  a  dose  of  med- 
icine was  given  which  was  not  properly  diluted, 
causing  inflammation  in  the  lower  part  of  the  gul- 
let and  part  of  the  stomach.  When  I  was  called 
t<>  see  the  horse  it  \v;is  suffering  considerable  pain, 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  29 

with  frequent  attempts  to  vomit,  and  when  the 
spasms  were  on,  the  animal  suffered  great  distress. 
Pulse  seventy  per  minute,  respiration  thirty  per 
minute.  From  the  history  of  the  case,  the  animal 
could  swallow  all  right  at  the  beginning,  and  until 
it  had  had  several  doses  of  the  medicine,  and  on  the 
following  morning  when  I  was  called  in,  the  ani- 
mal could  not  swallow.  In  pouring  down  a  little 
water,  the  gullet  was  seen  to  fill  up  and  cause  the 
animal  great  distress.  I  considered  it  a  case  of 
inflammation  of  the  gullet,  and  treated  the  animal 
by  giving  hypodermic  injections  of  morphine,  three 
grains  at  a  dose,  and  the  application  of  mustard 
to  the  lower  part  of  the  gullet.  The  horse  died 
during  the  following  night.  Post-mortem  exam- 
ination revealed  inflammation  of  the  lower  part  of 
the  gullet  and  left  half  of  the  stomach.  The  gullet 
was  so  swollen  that  I  could  not  introduce  my  finger 
into  it  by  using  considerable  force.  Cases  of  this 
kind  are  not  often  met  with.  The  treatment  for 
inflammation  of  the  gullet  is  as  follows :  For  cat- 
tle, Epsom  salts,  one  and  a  half  pounds;  ground 
ginger,  half  ounce;  water,  half  gallon,  to  be  given 
at  one  dose.  For  the  horse,  aloes,  one  ounce;  car- 
bonate of  soda,  half  an  ounce;  ground  ginger,  half 
an  ounce.  Pour  on  half  a  pint  of  boiling  water, 
then  add  one-half  pint  more  of  cold  water,  and  give 
at  one  dose.  The  use  of  the  physic  in  this  case  is 
to  reduce  the  system,  and  thereby  reduce  inflam- 
mation. Follow  this  up  with  aconite,  twenty  to 
thirty  drops  in  one-half  pint  of  cold  water,  until 
the  pulse  is  reduced  in  strength  and  number.     To 


30  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

relieve  the  pain,  opium  should  be  given  in  dram 
doses  every  three  or  four  hours  in  a  little  gruel. 
Hot  fomentations  should  be  applied  along  the  gul- 
let, or  mustard  well  rubbed  in,  the  mustard  to  be 
made  up  with  boiling  water. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  31 


CHAPTER  II. 

STOMACH  OF  THE  HORSE. 

The  stomach  of  the  horse  is  very  small  for  the 
size  of  its  body,  and  usually  empties  itself  in  from 
four  to  five  hours.  After  this,  if  the  horse  is  not 
fed,  it  weakens  very  fast.  The  stomach  is  divided 
into  two  parts :  the  left  half,  which  is  lined  with  a 
prolongation  of  the  lining  of  the  gullet,  and  which 
does  not  secrete  any  gastric  juice;  the  right  half, 
which  is  lined  with  a  velvety  coat,  which  secretes 
the  solvent  juice.  The  former  part  is  where  the 
bots  inhabit,  as  the  exudation  of  the  gastric  juice, 
in  the  right  half,  would  interfere  with  their  com- 
fort. 

Life  History  of  the  Bot. — The  bot  fly  deposits  its 
nits  or  eggs  on  the  horse's  legs,  sides,  flanks  and 
under  the  chin.  In  a  few  days  ithe  eggs  are 
hatched  and  the  larva  makes  its  way  down  the  hair 
to  the  skin,  which  it  irritates,  causing  the  horse 
to  bite  or  lick  the  part.  In  this  way  the  young  crea- 
ture gets  into  the  horse's  mouth  and  down  to  the 
stomach,  and  when  they  reach  the  left  portion,  ad- 
here to  it  by  two  small  hooks;  they  have  no  mouth, 
and  are  fed  by  some  of  the  digested  food  being  ab- 
sorbed through  their  skin.  In  this  way  they  grow 
until  the  following  spring,  when  they  release  their 


32  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

hold  and  pass  out  of  the  stomach  into  the  intes- 
tines and  are  carried  out  with  the  contents  of  the 
bowel.  They  usually  lie  quiet  for*  an  hour  or  so, 
then  will  crawl*  into  some  safe  place,  where  they 
remain  in  the  form  of  a  chrysalis,  the  skin  becom- 
ing shell-like.  The  further  change  in  the  chrysalis 
takes  place  about  the  eighteenth  or  nineteenth  day, 
when  the  shell  bursts  and  the  fly  comes  out  strong 
in  wing  and  limb.  The  question  is  often  asked, 
do  bots  do  any  harm  to  the  horse?  Veterinary 
surgeons  are  agreed  on  this,  that  they  do  not,  un- 
less they  are  over-crowded  and  pushed  to  other 
parts  of  the  stomach  or  intestines,  where  they  may 
interfere  with  digestion.  There  are  very  few  cases 
reported  where  the  bot  was  the  direct  cause  of 
death.  The  idea  that  bots  eat  the  stomach  is  a 
mistake.  As  they  have  no  mouths,  this  cannot  be 
possible.  I  have  been  told  by  farmers  that  have 
opened  a  horse  which  had  died  from  acute  indiges- 
tion or  inflammation,  that  they  found  on  opening 
the  stomach  that  the  red  lining  had  been  eaten  off 
the  left  half  of  the  stomach  by  the  bots.  If  they 
had  known  that  the  left  half  had  no  red  lining  they 
would  not  have  charged  the  bots  with  eating  it. 
There  is  no  medicine  that  will  kill  bots  that  can 
be  uiven  to  the  horse  without  destroying  the  stom- 
ach. 

Impaction  of  the  Stomach  in  the  Horse. — This  is 
a  very  common  and  very  fatal  derangement  caused 
by  the  animal  eating  too  much  food;  the  result  is 
distention  of  the  stomach,  preventing  it  from  con- 
tracting on  its  contents.     The  food  swells  and  fer- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATtLE.  33 

mentation  takes  place,  causing  rupture  of  the  walls 
of  the  stomach,  or  the  animal  may  die  from  exhaus- 
tion and  suffocation,  or  from  brain  affection.  In 
order  to  prevent  this  the  horse  should  be  fed  at 
regular  periods,  at  least  five  hours  apart.  A  com- 
mon cause  of  this  is  a  horse  getting  loose  during 
the  night  and  going  to  the  oat  or  corn  bin  and  gorg- 
ing itself.  I  have  known  a  great  many  deaths 
from  this  cause.  The  oats  or  corn  should  not  be 
kept  where  a  horse  can  get  at  them  if  it  should 
chance  to  rub  off  its  halter  or  get  loose  during  the 
night.  A  common  cause  of  this  is  giving  the  horse 
a  large  feed  because  it  is  going  to  do  a  hard  day's 
work  or  a  long  journey.  When  the  horse  comes 
in  from  a  hard  day's  work  or  a  long  journey  it 
should  first  have  a  little  hay  to  eat,  then  water  and 
then  grain.  If  it  gets  its  grain  first,  while  hungry 
and  the  stomach  weak,  it  bolts  it  down  and  the 
stomach  is  not  able  to  digest  it,  and  the  above  re- 
sult takes  place,  but  when  a  little  hay  is  first  given, 
the  animal  eats  it  more  slowly  and  the  stomach 
gains  a  little  strength,  thus  preventing  colic. 
Treatment  for  Indigestion:  Give  aloes,  one 
ounce;  carbonate  of  soda,  one-half  ounce;  ground 
ginger,  one-half  ounce;  dissolve  this  in  half 
a  pint  of  boiling  water,  then  add  half  a 
pint  more  of  cold  water.  To  stimulate  the  stom- 
ach give  half  a  pint  of  good  whiskey  in  a  little  wa- 
ter or  one  dram  of  nux  vomica  rubbed  up  in  hot 
water;  repeat  this  dose  every  three  hours.  If  it 
is  suffering  much  pain,  give  it  two  drams  fluid  ex- 
tract of  belladonna  every  three  hours,  or  four 


34  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

drains  of  chloride  chloral  hydrate  dissolved  in  a 
pint  of  water,  every  three  or  four  hours.  If  the 
physic  does  not  operate  in  twenty-four  hours,  re- 
peat the  dose.  If  the  horse  will  drink  water,  give 
it,  as  it  may  wash  some  of  the  contents  out  and 
thus  relieve,  experience  proves  that  it  is  good  prac- 
tice to  do  so. 

Dilatation  of  the  Stomach  Due  to  Bad  Manage- 
ment in  ELorses. — If  a  horse  is  fed  on  bulky  food 
given  in  great  quantities,  at  all  times,  without  reg- 
ular intervals,  distention  of  the  stomach  takes 
place,  which,  weakens  its  walls,  preventing  it  from 
performing  its  functions  of  digesting  the  food,  re- 
sulting in  dyspepsia  or  colic.  In  order  to  prevent 
this,  feed  the  horse  at  regular  intervals  and  in 
small  quantities:  fourteen  pounds  of  good  hay  and 
ten  pounds  of  oats  is  sufficient  for  a  horse  in  the 
twenty-four  hours,  whether  used  as  a  driving 
horse  or  for  doing  an  ordinary  day's  work.  When 
a  horse  is  overworked,  it  requires  more  food,  but 
this  is  done  at  the  expense  of  the  animal's  health. 
I  have  taken  notice  in  the  spring  of  the  year,  when 
the  farm  horse  has  to  work  long  hours  and  is  fed 
six  to  ten  quarts  of  oats  at  a  feed,  that  I  have  been 
called  to  a  great  many  cases  of  colic.  It  is  poor 
economy  to  overwork  and  overfeed  the  horse. 

CRIB-BITERS  AND  WIND-SUCKERS. 

This  is  a  habit  with  some  animals,  and  in  others 
it  is  caused  by  a  deranged  condition  of  the  diges- 
tive organs.  A  crib-biter  seizes  the  manger  or 
anything  it  can  get  hold  of  with  its  teeth,  arches 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  35 

its  neck,  and  makes  a  sound  as  if  it  was  sucking 
air.  A  chronic  crib-biter  can  be  easily  known  by 
its  incisor  teeth  being  worn. 

A  wind-sucker  extends  its  head  or  presses  it 
against  something  solid,  gathers  its  feet  together, 
arches  its  neck  and  back,  and  draws  in  wind  until 
its  abdomen  is  greatly  distended.  Wind-sucking 
is  the  worst  of  the  two  evils.  To  prevent  this  it  is 
best  to  put  a  muzzle  on  the  horse  when  not  feed- 
ing. Straps  with  sharp  nails  in  them,  which  some 
use,  can  be  bought  at  the  harnessmaker's;  but  I 
do  not  recommend  them.  In  the  early  stage  of  the 
disorder  it  is  best  combatted  by  giving  the  horse  a 
physic,  having  a  piece  of  rock  salt  in  its  manger, 
feeding  on  good  food,  and  giving  it  regular  work. 

DYSPEPSIA. 

The  Causes  of  Dyspepsia  in  Horses  and  Cattle. — 
Giving  too  much  food  at  rare  intervals,  or  starving 
an  animal  for  some  time,  and  then  allowing  coarse 
food  in  large  quantities  or  indigestible  foods.  I 
have  seen  a  great  many  cases  of  this  kind,  espe- 
cially in  the  poor  man's  horse.  When  a  horse  is 
fed  oats  on  an  empty  stomach,  it  usually  eats  hur- 
riedly, cramming  its  stomach  with  imperfectly 
masticated  oats.  To  prevent  this,  give  the  horse 
a  small  quantity  of  hay  first,  then  water,  and  then 
oats.  A  horse  should  be  allowed  half  an  hour 
after  being  fed  before  put  to  fast  work,  as  this  is 
a  cause  of  dyspepsia. 

Symptoms. — Staring  coat,  dullness  at  work, 
emaciation,  with  tucked-up  belly,  frequent  dis- 


36  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

charges  of  foul-smelling  gas,  constipation  or  loose- 
ness, and  the  presence  of  half  masticated  or  indi- 
gested food  in  the  dung,  and  they  are  often 
troubled  with  belly-aches,  and  worms  may  be 
passed.  In  cattle,  especially  in  the  cow,  do  we 
find  cases  of  dyspepsia.  The  appetite  is  impaired, 
and  there  is  a  desire  to  pick  up  and  swallow  dirt, 
sand,  lime,  etc.  The  milk  is  scanty  and  of  poor 
quality,  and  the  animal  becomes  thin,  dry-haired 
and  lousy.  There  may  be  either  diarrhea  or  con- 
stipation. In  some  cases  the  animal  does  not 
chew  its  cud,  and  there  is  more  or  less  fever  indi- 
cated by  a  dry  nose. 

Treatment. — Regulate  the  diet.  Give  a  dose  of 
raw  linseed  oil,  from  one  and  one-half  pints  to  one 
quart  at  a  dose  for  the  horse.  For  the  cow,  one 
pound  of  Epsom  salts  and  one  ounce  of  ground  gin- 
ger, dissolved  in  half  a  gallon  of  cold  water  and 
given  at  one  dose.  After  the  physic  has  operated, 
both  in  the  horse  and  cow,  boil  a  teacup  of  linseed 
into  a  pulp  with  a  gallon  or  two  of  water,  and 
while  hot,  pour  it  over  half  a  pail  of  bran  and  make 
a  mash  of  it,  and  when  cool,  put  in  one  of  the  fol- 
lowing powders:  Sulphate  of  iron,  four  ounces; 
nitrate  of  potass.,  four  ounces;  divided  into 
twenty-four  doses.  Give  daily,  and  continue  for 
several  weeks  if  necessary.  If  the  animals  are 
lousy,  see  chapter  on  lice. 

GASTRITIS    (INFLAMATION    OF    THE    STOMACH). 

This  is  not  a  common  disease,  either  of  horses  or 
cattle,  and  when  it  does  occur,  it  is  usually  caused 


DISEASES  OF -HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  37 

by  too  irritating  substances,  such  as  giving  strong 
medicines,  without  having  sufficient  water  or  oil 
to  dilute  them.  Also  from  poisons.  Symptoms. 
— They  consist  of  nausea,  and  vomiting,  in  the  ani- 
mals that  can  vomit;  they  are  speedily  followed 
by  violent  colic.  The  horse  looks  around  at  its 
sides,  and  will  not  stand  quiet  for  a  moment,  paws 
with  its  fore  feet,  crouches,  lies  down,  and  rolls, 
gets  up,  and  goes  through  the  same  thing.  When 
he  turns  his  nose  around  it  is  always  to  the  side 
behind  the  shoulder.  The  pulse  is  quick,  and  al- 
though strong  at  first,  it  soon  becomes  weak  and 
fast,  from  eighty  to  one  hundred  per  minute.  The 
ears  and  legs  are  cold,  and  cold  sweat  may  break 
out  all  over  the  body.  As  the  disease  advances 
the  pulse  becomes  very  irregular  and  the  animal 
appears  stupid ;  the  pupils  of  the  eyes  are  dilated, 
and  the  animal  may  become  paralyzed  or  may  die 
with  convulsive  fits,  suffering  intense  pain, 
through  the  whole  course  of  the  disease.  Treat- 
ment.— It  is  necessary  to  find  out  the  cause.  If  it 
is  from  giving  ammonia  in  too  concentrated  a  form, 
give  vinegar.  If  from  turpentine,  give  opium  and 
oil.  If  from  any  of  the  potassiums,  give  oil.  In 
all  cases  give  powdered  opium  in  one  to  two  dram 
doses  every  two  hours  until  relieved  or  death  ends 
the  same.  If  the  animal  recovers,  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  feed  it  on  soft,  easily  digested  food,  such  as 
boiled  flaxseed  and  ground  oats  in  small  quanti- 
ties for  a  week.  Give  all  the  cold  water  it  will 
drink. 


38  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

THE  STOMACHS  OF  THE  OX. 

The  first  stomach  is  called  the  rumen;  it  lies  on 
the  left  side  and  occupies  about  three-fourths  of 
the  abdominal  cavi;y.  It  is  made  up  of  three 
coats.  The  external  one  is  composed  of  two  sets 
of  strong  muscular  tissue,  one  set  longitudinal 
and  the  other  set  circular.  Besides  these  there 
are  two  strong  bands  of  elastic  tissue,  one  running 
lengthwise  and  the  other  across.  The  part  of  the 
inside  of  the  stomach  where  these  bands  are  is 
smooth  and  white.  The  use  of  these  bands  is  to 
strengthen  and  assist  in  the  contraction  of  the  or- 
gan. The  use  of  the  muscular  coat  having  its 
fibres  running  in  the  two  directions  is  to  contract 
the  stomach  both  in  its  length  and  breadth.  The 
inside  coat  or  lining  is  rough,  although  soft  to  the 
touch,  and  has  a  few  glands  scattered  over  it,  se- 
crefing  a  small  quantity  of  mucous,  which  assists 
in  softening  the  food. 

USE  OF  THIS  STOMACH. 

Cattle  collect  their  food  in  haste,  only  partially 
breaking  it  down  by  a  few  strokes  of  the  molar 
teeth,  and  store  it  in  the  rumen  for  some  time  to 
soften  and  undergo  chemical  process  by  the  saliva 
acting  on  it.  It  is  then  forced  up  the  gullet  in 
small  billets  by  the  contracting  action  of  its 
walls,  to  be  rechewed  or  become  wThat  is  called  the 
cud.  It  is  then  thoroughly  masticated  and  mixed 
with  the  saliva  and  passes  down  the  gullet  to  the 
third  stomach.     This  goes  on  until  the  rumen  is 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  39 

nearly  empty.  Anything  which  deranges  this 
stomach  seriously  interferes  with  digestion  and 
the  health  of  the  animal. 

The  second  stomach  is  a  small  honey-comb  bag 
situated  at  the  anterior  part  of  the  rumen.  Its 
use  is  not  well  understood. 

The  third  stomach,  called  the  omasum  or  many- 
plies,  lies  on  the  right  side  of  the  rumen,  to  which 
it  is  attached.  It  is  small  and  divided  by  twelve 
leaves,  which  pass  right  through  from  end  to  end. 
There  are  also  a  number  of  short  ones  which  are 
attached  to  the  others  on  one  edge.  There  are 
about  sixty  in  all.  These  leaves  or  manyplies  are 
lined  with  a  thin  membrane,  which  secretes  a  fluid 
which  assists  in  digestion.  After  the  death  of  the 
animal  this  coat  often  adheres  to  the  food  between 
the  leaves.  The  food  in  this  stomach  is  usually 
dry,  or  partially  so,  and  it  is  supposed  that  the 
liquid  portion  is  squeezed  on  into  the  fourth 
stomach,  and  that  some  of  the  dry,  indigestible 
portion  drops  back  into  the  rumen  to  go  through 
the  softening  process  and  be  recudded.  This 
stomach  is  capable  of  considerable  distention, 
which  is  often  the  case  by  the  accumulating  of  in- 
digestible, innutritious  food,  which  may  cause 
paralysis  of  its  walls. 

The  fourth  stomach  is  the  true  digestive  one  and 
is  called  abomasum,  or  rennet.  This  stomach  is 
seldom  deranged.  More  cattle  die  from  derange- 
ment of  the  first  and  third  stomachs  than  all  other 
diseases  to  which  cattle  are  heir. 


40  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

DISEASES    OF    THE    FIRST    STOMACH  IN  CATTLE. 

Tympanitis  Iloven,  or  Swelling  With  Gas. — 
Causes  of  this  disorder  are  numerous,  eating  damp 
grass,  the  soft,  succulent  grass  of  early  spring, 

ami  the  second  crop  of  clover  in  the  autumn  when 
it  is  wet  with  dew  or  rain.  Sometimes  a  change 
of  food,  such  as  a  small  quantity  of  ground  oats, 
peas  or  corn,  will  cause  severe  bloating.  It  is  also 
caused  from  over-filling  of  the  paunch  with  indi- 
gestible food  of  any  kind,  and  this  is  the  most 
troublesome  to  get  rid  of.  This  disorder  often 
takes  place  from  disease  of  other  parts  of  the  body, 
such  as  impaction  of  the  third  stomach  or  consti- 
pation of  the  bowels.  Symptoms:  During  the 
time  the  animal  is  eating,  or  shortly  after,  a  swell- 
ing appears  on  the  left  side,  and  as  it  increases  the 
animal  appears  to  be  in  distress,  pants,  strikes  its 
belly  with  its  hind  foot,  eructations  of  gas  are  no- 
ticed; the  animal  does  not  chew  its  cud.  As  the 
trouble  goes  on  the  breathing  becomes  more  diffi- 
cult; the  animal  moans,  the  back  is  arched,  the 
eyes  are  protruded,  the  tongue  hangs  out,  saliva 
dribbles  from  the  mouth.  At  this  stage  of  the  dis- 
ease, if  the  animal  is  not  relieved,  it  will  die  from 
suffocation,  the  contents  of  the  abdomen  pressing 
against  the  lungs  in  such  a  way  that  the  animal 
cannot  breathe:  Treatment:  When  any  signs  of 
swelling  take  place  the  animal  should  be  pre- 
vented from  eat  ing  any  more.  If  no  medicine  is  at 
hand,  cold  water  should  be  thrown  over  the  back 
and   loins.     This  sometimes  causes  the  rumen  to 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


41 


contract,  expelling  the  gas.  A  handful  of  com- 
mon salt  dissolved  in  a  quart  of  water  is  also  use- 
ful. Aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia  in  two  ounce 
doses  in  a  pint  of  cold  water  and  repeated  in  half 
an  hour  is  the  best  remedy.  The  liquor  ammonia 
in  two  ounce  doses  put  into  one  quart  of  cold  water 


PLATE  1.    THE  SEAT  OF  PUNCTURE  OF  THE  RUMEN,    (a) 


or  carbonate  of  ammonia  given  in  half  ounce  doses 
dissolved  in  a  quart  of  cold  water,  and  repeated  in 
half  an  hour  if  necessary,  is  useful.  If  time  will 
allow,  one  and  one-half  pounds  of  Epsom  salts  dis- 
solved in  half  a  gallon  of  water  and  given  at  one 
dose  is  a  good  remedy.  In  cases  when  time  will 
not  admit  of  treatment,  tapping  should  be  resorted 
to  at  once.  (Plate  1.)  This  is  a  simple  operation. 
Take  the  highest  part  about  a  hand's  breadth  in 
front  of  the  hip  bone  on  the  left  side,  and  about 


42  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

the  same  distance  from  the  short  ribs.     It  is  not 
particular  for  an  inch  or  so.     When  the  animal  is 
greatly  distended  plunge  the  knife  in  and  make  a 
hole   large   enough    to    admit   the   finger,   which 
should  be  put  into  the  opening  as  soon  as  the  knifV 
is  withdrawn,  and  the  gas  will  rush  out  at  the  side 
of  the  finger.     It  is  necessary  to  do  this  because 
when  some  of  the  gas  comes  out,  the  opening  in 
the  skin  will  not  be  opposite  to  the  opening  in  tin* 
paunch  and  the  gas  will  not  escape1.     The  best  in- 
strument is  the  trocar  and  canula,  which  every 
stockman  should  have.     In  using  this  instrument, 
the  skin  should  be  cut  with  a  knife,  then  the  trocar 
and  canula  pressed  into  the  rumen,  then  the  trocar 
is  drawn  out,  leaving  the  canula  in,  when  the  gas 
will  escape  through  it.     If  it  is  necessary  to  use  it 
a  second  time  in  the  same  animal  a  new  opening 
ought  to  be  made.     No  after  treatment  of  the 
wound  is  necessary. 

CHRONIC    HOVEN    (TYMPANITIS). 

Some  cows  are  predisposed  to  indigestion,  re- 
sulting in  the  formation  of  gas  in  the  rumen,  and 
although  not  severe  enough  to  call  for  tapping,  in- 
terferes with  the  animal's  comfort  and  health. 
Symptoms. — The  animal  is  generally  distended 
with  gas  soon  after  eating;  the  cow  grunts  and 
does  not  chew  its  cud;  the  hair  becomes  dry  and 
stands  on  end,  and  by  degrees  it  becomes  thin; 
and,  if  giving  milk,  it  is  soon  reduced  in  quality 
and  quantity.  The  bowels  may  be  constipated  or 
a  form  of  diarrhoea  may  set  in.    Treatment :    Regu- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  43 

late  the  diet.  Give  good,  nutritious  food  in  small 
quantities  and  often.  It  may  be  necessary  to  give 
a  dose  of  Epsom  salts  one  to  one  and  one-half 
pounds  and  one  ounce  ground  ginger  dissolved  in 
one-half  gallon  of  cold  water.  This  to  be  followed 
by  sulphate  of  iron  four  ounces,  nux  vomica  two 
ounces,  divided  into  twenty-four  doses,  one  to  be 
given  morning  and  night  in  bran  mash.  Boiled 
flaxseed  is  also  good. 

IMPACTION  OP  THE  RUMEN. 

Causes. — Some  kinds  of  food  are  more  liable  to 
produce  this  disorder  than  others,  grain  of  any 
kind  in  too  large  quantities,  chaff,  potatoes,  and 
coarse  grass.  When  the  quantity  is  too  great  it 
causes  distention  of  the  rumen  so  that  its  walls 
become  paralyzed.  Symptoms. — The  animal  ap- 
pears dull  and  suffers  more  or  less  pain.  The  left 
side  is  swollen,  and  when  pressed  by  the  hand  has 
a  doughy  feel  and  pits  on  pressure,  and  when  the 
animal  lies  down  it  does  so  on  its  right  side.  The 
breathing  is  increased  and  the  pulse  is  small  and 
may  number  sixty  to  eighty  per  minute.  The  ani- 
mal grinds  its  teeth,  the  nose  is  dry  and  the  back 
is  arched.  Fermentation  may  set  in,  causing 
greater  distention,  which  aggravates  the  above 
symptoms.  Inflammation  may  set  in  and,  in  ad- 
dition to  the  above,  the  animal  will  manifest  pain 
when  the  left  side  is  pressed.  Treatment. — Re- 
move some  of  the  impacted  food,  or  if  gas  is  formed 
remove  it.     The  probang  must  be  pressed  down  to 


44  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

allow  the  escape  of  gas  or  the  trocar  and  canula 
used  as  for  tympanitis.  Cases  have  been  cured 
by  throwing  cold  water  over  the  back  and  loins. 
If  the  distention  is  not  too  great,  give  a  dose  of 
Epsom  salts  and  ginger;  pressing  and  rubbing  the 
rumen  is  sometimes  successful,  but  if  these  meth- 
ods fail  it  will  be  necessary  before  the  animal  is 
exhausted  or  the  brain  becomes  congested  to  make 
a  large  opening  in  the  rumen  and  remove  a  part  of 
the  contents  with  the  hand.  Place  the  animal 
with  its  right  side  against  a  wTall  and  let  an  as- 
sistant hold  it  by  the  nose,  at  a  point  midway  be- 
tween the  last  rib  and  haunch  bone  and  about  a 
span  from  the  backbone. 

Make  an  opening  from  this  point  downward 
large  enough  to  admit  the  hand;  the  edges  of  the 
wound  should  be  stitched  together  to  prevent  food 
getting  in  between  the  skin  and  the  walls  of  the 
rumen;  then  with  the  hand  remove  the  greater 
part  of  the  mass.  It  is  best  to  leave  a  little  to 
stimulate  it.  Then  stitch  up  the  walls  of  the  ru- 
men, first  with  carbolized  catgut,  care  being  taken 
that  the  edges  are  inverted.  The  wound  of  the 
muscles  and  skin  then  being  stitched  up,  cold 
water  dressing  should  be  applied  and  the  animal 
given  stimulants.  Tincture  of  ginger  one  ounce, 
tincture  of  gentian  one  ounce,  tincture  of  iron  one 
ounce,  mix  and  give  in  a  quart  of  oatmeal  gruel. 
Give  two  such  doses  daily  until  the  animal  is  well. 
I  have  operated  on  three  cows  with  success;  one 
5rom  an  overdose  of  cabbage  leaves,  one  from  rye 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  45 

and  the  other  from  corn.  In  the  last  case  I  re- 
moved two  bushels  of  corn  and  left  about  one  in 
the  rumen. 

There  is  very  often  an  accumulation  of  various 
kinds  found  in  the  second  stomach  of  cattle,  such 
as  hair  balls,  from  licking  each  other,  needles, 
pins,  knives,  nails,  etc.  Nothing  can  be  done  to 
remove  these;  in  fact  it  is  only  after  death  that 
they  are  found. 

Impaction  of  the  Third  Stomach  (sometimes 
called  Dry  Murrain). — The  third  stomach  of  cattle 
is  composed  of  a  number  of  leaves,  some  sixty  in 
number;  between  these  leaves  food  passes  on  to 
the  fourth  stomach,  which  is  the  true  digestive 
one,  and  what  is  meant  by  impaction  is  dry,  indi- 
gestible grasses  or  other  foods  which  lodge  be- 
tween the  leaves,  causing  either  stoppage  or  in- 
flammation, and  very  often  causing  death,  as  it 
seems  to  be  very  difficult  to  get  medicine  to  act  on 
this  stomach.  In  the  fall  and  spring  this  disease 
is  most  common,  caused  by  the  animal  eating  the 
tough  frozen  grasses,  over-ripe  hay,  and  bed  straw. 
I  have  seen  this  disease  destroy  calves  which  were 
fed  on  timothy  hay  with  no  soft  food  and  little  ex- 
ercise. Symptoms:  The  animal  refuses  food,  if 
the  cow  is  giving  milk  it  will  be  partly  or  wholly 
arrested,  the  animal  does  not  chew  its  cud,  the 
nose  is  dry,  and,  if  made  to  move,  it  will  moan  or 
grunt;  the  bowels  at  first  are  constipated,  what  is 
passed  will  be  dry,  hard  and  glazed;  the  back  is 
arched  and  the  left  side  may  be  somewhat  swollen. 
As  the  disease  advances  the  eyes  stare  and  are  par- 


46  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

tially  insensible  to  light,  and  the  muscles  trem- 
ble; or  the  animal  may  stagger,  the  grunt  is  now 
constant,  the  pulse,  which  was  not  much  affected 
at  first,  is  now  rapid  and  weak,  eighty  to  one  hun- 
dred per  minute.  In  some  cases  the  brain  be- 
comes affected  in  the  early  stage  and  the  animal 
becomes  frantic  and  runs  wildly  about;  the  vision 
seems  to  be  impaired  or  there  is  total  blindness,  as 
the  animal  will  stumble  over  anything  that  comes 
in  its  way,  dashing  its  head  against  trees,  fences, 
or  human  beings.  I  have  seen  some  animals  tear- 
ing up  the  ground  with  their  horns  and  bellowing 
in  a  violent  manner.  Some  cases  are  affected  with 
stupor,  staggering  gait,  or  even  partial  paralysis. 
The  nature  of  this  derangement  is  not  an  inflam- 
mation of  the  brain,  but  a  sympathetic  delirium 
caused  from  an  over-distended  stomach.  This  dis- 
ease is  what  is  called  "mad  itch."  It  seems  to  be 
more  prevalent  some  years  than  others,  and  was 
thought  to  be  caused  by  eating  corn  stalks;  but 
we  find  it  in  animals  that  never  had  any.  The 
urine  is  sometimes  mixed  with  blood.  If  the  ani- 
mal is  not  relieved  it  may  die  in  a  few  days  or  live 
for  two  weeks.  Very  often  a  foetid  diarrhoea  sets 
in  before  death.  Treatment:  Give  one  quart  of 
raw  linseed  oil  with  two  drams  of  fluid  extract  of 
belladonna  in  it  at  a  dose;  follow  this  with  one 
pound  of  Epsom  salts,  one  and  a  half  drams  of  qui- 
nine, dissolved  in  half  a  gallon  of  cold  water  and 
given  at  one  dose.  If  the  animal  is  in  great  dis- 
tress, give  one  dram  of  belladonna  fluid  extract  in 
half  a  pint  of  raw  linseed  oil  every  four  hours.     If 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  47 

the  physic  does  not  operate  in  twenty-four  hours, 
repeat  the  salts  and  quinine.  Injections  of  soap 
and  warm  water  are  useful.  Aloes  in  one  ounce 
doses  mixed  with  one  pound  of  Epsom  salts  have 
been  found  useful,  also  thirty  to  forty  drops  of 
croton  oil  given  in  a  little  linseed  oil,  but  I  have 
had  most  success  with  the  former.  The  animal 
should  be  given  all  the  cold  water  it  can  drink. 
As  soon  as  the  animal  is  noticed  ailing,  it  should 
be  treated.  If  this  disease  is  allowed  to  go  on  for 
a  few  days,  medicine  is  of  very  little  use,  as  the 
secretions  are  arrested. 

Inflammation  of  the  fourth  stomach  (ab- 
omasum)  is  not  common  in  cattle.  It  is 
caused  by  poisons  or  some  irritating  sub- 
stance the  animal  has  eaten.  The  symptoms 
are  so  much  like  impaction  of  the  third  stomach 
that  it  is  difficult  to  tell  the  one  from  the  other. 
The  cases  of  inflammation  of  the  fourth  stomach 
which  I  have  seen  show  more  signs  of  pain  and 
very  full,  fast  pulse,  and  more  acute  fever.  (Youatt 
mentions  a  curious  stretching  out  of  the  fore  limbs 
with  the  brisket  almost  to  the  ground.)  Post- 
mortem: Lesions  comprise  congestion,  redness, 
with  flakes  of  mucous,  and  sometimes  blood, 
mixed  with  the  contents  of  the  stomach.  A  por- 
tion of  the  small  intestines  is  usually  involved. 
Treatment:  Remove  the  cause  if  possible.  If 
from  poison,  give  an  antidote ;  for  instance,  if  the 
poison  is  an  alkali,  give  an  acid,  and  if  an  acid  give 
an  alkali;  to  reduce  the  inflammation,  give  linseed 


48  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

tea  and  drain  doses  of  opium  every  two  hours.  If 
the  animal  is  in  a  weak  condition,  give  aromatic 
spirits  of  ammonia,  two  ounces  at  a  dose  in  a  pint 
of  cold  water.  Aconite,  in  doses  of  thirty  drops 
combined  with  the  opium  is  also  useful.  Give  all 
the  cold  water  the  animal  will  drink. 

Cattle  sometimes  suffer  from  indigestion,  that 
is,  the  stomach  or  stomachs  get  into  a  weakened 
or  deranged  state;  the  animal  may  not  be  actually 
sick,  but  it  is  in  an  unthrifty  condition,  the  milk  is 
of  poor  quality,  and  little  of  it.  When  the  cow 
gets  into  this  condition,  all  the  secretions  are  more 
or  less  arrested,  and  with  them  the  secretions  of 
milk.  I  have  seen  a  number  of  cases  of  this  kind. 
Symptoms:  The  animal  may  eat  its  food  at  times, 
and  at  others  it  will  eat  only  part  of  it.  The  hair 
becomes  dry,  and  the  back  arched  a  little,  and 
the  skin  is  tight  on  the  ribs,  the  eyes  become 
sunken,  and  the  animal  will  grind  its  teeth,  and 
seem  to  be  in  pain  at  times.  The  bowTels  are 
usually  constipated,  and  in  some  cases  there  is 
diarrhoea.  There  is  very  little  fever.  An  animal 
found  in  this  condition,  with  the  absence  of  other 
diseases,  may  be  safely  said  to  have  indigestion. 
Treatment:  Give  at  one  dose,  from  one  to  one  and 
one-half  pounds  Epsom  salts,  one  ounce  ground 
ginger,  dissolved  in  half  a  gallon  of  cold  water, 
and  follow  this  by  giving  a  teacupful  of  linseed, 
boiled  into  a  pulp,  with  two  gallons  of  water,  and, 
wrhile  hot,  pour  into  half  a  pail  of  bran  and  make 
a  mash  of  it.     Give  a  mash  of  this  kind  once  a  day, 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  49 

and  continue  it  for  a  few  weeks.  Also,  give  one 
ounce  tincture  of  ginger,  one  ounce  tincture  of 
gentian,  and  one  ounce  tincture  of  iron,  in  a  pint 
of  water,  twice  daily. 


50  DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER  III. 

INTESTINES. 

The  intestines  of  the  horse  are  some  ninety  feet 
in  length,  seventy  feet  of  small  intestines,  and 
twenty  feet  of  large.  The  intestines  of  the  horse 
are  very  vascular,  that  is,  they  are  largely  supplied 
with  blood  and  nerves,  much  more  so  than  in  the 
ox,  and,  I  think,  this  accounts  to  a  certain  extent 
for  the  frequent  attacks  of  colic  and  inflammation 
of  the  bowels  in  this  animal,  as  compared  with  the 
ox.  The  large  intestines  are  very  much  con- 
tracted in  several  places,  and  it  is  on  this  account 
that  we  have  so  often  impaction.  The  dilated 
part  gets  so  filled  up  with  indigestible  food  that  it 
cannot  pass  through  the  contracted  parts,  setting 
up  inflammation  and  often  causing  death. 

COLIC. 

There  is  no  more  frequent  and  fatal  disease  in 
the  horse  than  that  known  as  colic  It  takes  on 
three  forms — spasmodic  colic,  flatulent  colic,  and 
dyspeptic  colic. 

Spasmodic  Colic. — The  causes  are  many.  Irreg- 
ular feeding  and  overwork,  thus  a  horse  gets  an 
overfeed  in  order  to  make  it  stand  a  long  drive  or  a 
hard  day's  work.     The  hard  work  takes  the  blood 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  51 

from  the  stomach  and  intestines,  and  as  a  result, 
digestion  is  interfered-  with,  the  mass  undergoes 
fermentation,  causing  pain  or  cramps.  Overfeed- 
ing loads  the  intestines,  often  resulting  in  spasms. 
A  change  of  food,  as  changing  from  old  hay  to  new, 
or  from  old  oats  to  new  and  also  green  food,  large 
quantities  of  cold  water  on  an  exhausted  stomach, 
exposure  to  cold,  anything  which  irritates  the 
nerves  of  the  intestines,  will  sometimes  cause 
spasms,  thus  we  often  have  spasmodic  colic  with- 
out any  apparent  cause.  Symptoms:  The  horse 
paws  with  his  fore  feet,  crouches,  shifts  about, 
looks  around  at  its  side,  lies  down,  rolls  on  his  back, 
gets  up  and  shakes  himself,  stands  quiet  for  a  few 
seconds  or  minutes,  then  goes  through  the  same 
performance.  When  the  cramps  are  very  severe 
he  will  throw  himself  down,  no  matter  where  he 
may  be,  sweat  breaks  out  over  the  body,  the  breath- 
ing becomes  fast  and  heavy,  the  eyes  are  promi- 
nent and  staring,  there  is  an  expression  of  anguish ; 
there  is  a  pause  for  a  few  minutes,  but  the  symp- 
toms soon  return  and  are  often  aggravated,  but  by 
degrees  the  attacks  are  fewer  and  farther  between, 
and  the  animal  recovers.  In  other  cases  the  pulse, 
which  was  at  first  not  much  affected,  now  becomes 
fast  and  weak,  from  eighty  to  one  hundred;  the 
brain  becomes  deranged  and  it  tosses  to  and  fro, 
the  belly  becomes  tense,  the  legs  cold,  and  a  cold 
sweat  breaks  out,  the  legs  tremble,  the  lips  are  re- 
tracted, and  the  horse  dies.  The  principal  symp- 
toms which  denote  that  it  is  spasmodic  colic  are 
the  intervals  of  relief  from  pain.     Treatment. — 


52  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

First:  Give>  two  ounces  of  tincture  of  opium,  two 
ounces  spirits  of  nitric  ether,  in  half  a  pint  of  cold 
water  at  a  dose;  repeat  in  half  an  hour  if  not  im- 
proved. Second:  Sulphuric  ether,  two  ounces; 
tincture  of  opium,  two  ounces;  water,  half  a  pint; 
repeat  every  half  hour  until  improved.  Third: 
Tincture  of  asafetida,  two  ounces;  aromatic  spirits 
of  ammonia,  one  ounce;  water,  half  pint.  Fourth: 
Chloroform,  one-half  to  one  ounce,  given  in  one- 
half  pint  of  oil ;  repeat  in  half  an  hour.  If  none  of 
these  are  obtainable,  give  two  tablespoonfuls  of 
ground  ginger  or  carbonate  of  soda  in  a  pint  of  hot 
water.  Injections  of  soap  and  warm  water  are 
very  useful.  The  animal  should  have  a  place  where 
it  can  roll  about  and  some  one  to  watch  it,  but 
should  never  be  driven,  as  I  have  known  cases  that 
have  died  from  being  driven  while  having  colic. 
Horses  that  are  subject  to  colic1  should  be  fed  spar- 
ingly on  easily  digested  food,  and  at  least  one  hour 
should  elapse  before  put  to  work  after  feeding. 

Flatulent  Colic — Bloating. — The  causes  are  sim- 
ilar to  those  causing  spasmodic  colic.  Large  quan- 
tities of  food  when  the  animal  is  in  an  exhausted 
state,  especially  a  large  quantity  of  green  grass, 
when  the  animal  is  not  accustomed  to  it.  In  mak- 
ing this  change  it  should  be  very  gradual.  Horses 
that  are  subject  to  indigestion  are  liable  to  wind- 
colic,  from  the  indigested  food  undergoing  fer- 
mentation, producing  gas.  Symptoms  of  Flatulent 
Colic:  The  horse  is  dull,  paws  with  his  fore  feet,  is 
restless, but  at  first  may  not  lie  down;  the  sides  are 
distended,  and  when  struck  by  the  hand,  a  drum- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  53 

like  sound  is  heard.  As  the  distention  increases, 
the  horse  looks  around  at  its  flanks,  lies  down,  rolls, 
gets  up  and  down  again;  there  is  no  easy  spell  as 
in  spasmodic  colic.  If  not  relieved,  the  distention 
becomes  so  great  that  it  presses  against  the  lungs, 
and  causes  great  difficulty  in  breathing,  and  the 
animal  may  die  of  suffocation  in  a  few  minutes,  or 
from  rupture  of  the  gut.  Treatment:  The  best 
remedy  is  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia,  in  two- 
ounce  doses  in  a  pint  of  cold  water,  and  repeated  in 
half  an  hour.  Clean  out  the  bowels  by  injections 
of  soap  and  water,  then  inject  two  ounces  of  spirits 
of  turpentine  mixed  in  half  a  pint  of  linseed  or  any 
other  oil.  If  oil  is  not  obtainable,  mix  the  turpen- 
tine in  a  pint  of  milk.  Repeat  the  injection  of  tur- 
pentine and  oil  every  twenty  minutes  until  the  ani- 
mal is  relieved.  If  ammonia  is  not  on  hand,  give 
baking  soda,  two  to  three  tablespoonfuls,  and 
ground  ginger,  two  tablespoonfuls,  in  a  quart  of 
hot  water.  From  one-half  pint  to  one  pint  of  whis- 
key can  be  given  in  half  a  pint  of  hot  water.  Tinc- 
ture of  asafetida  in  two-ounce  doses  in  half  a  pint 
of  water  is  useful  Also  injections  of  from  two  to 
four  ounces  tincture  of  asafetida  mixed  in  milk  are 
very  good.  Also  give  a  quart  of  raw  linseed  oil 
as  a  physic.  In  severe  cases  the  bowel  should  be 
punctured  in  the  most  prominent  part.  Plate  2. 
The  instrument  is  a  small  trocar  and  canula.  The 
skin  is  cut  with  a  knife,  then  the  trocar  and  canula 
are  pushed  into  the  bowel  in  a  direction  inward  and 
downward.  The  trocar  is  pulled  out  and  the  gas 
will  escape  through  the  canula.     There  is  little 


54 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  55 

danger  in  this  operation,  only  it  should  be  done  be- 
fore the  animal  is  too  far  gone.  The  right  side  is 
preferred  to  the  left,  as  we  reach  the  colon  easier 
on  the  right  side. 

IMPACTION  OF  THE  LARGE  INTESTINES. 

This  derangement  is  most  common  in  the  fall 
and  spring,  but  is  frequently  seen  at  other  times. 
It  is  usually  caused  by  horses  and  colts  eating  dry, 
indigestible  grasses  in  the  autumn  and  spring 
months,  and  from  eating  old,  dry,  hard  hay,  when 
largely  fed  on  it;  deficient  secretions  in  the  large 
intestines,  and  not  sufficient  water.  The  indigesti- 
ble mass  may  not  dry,  still  from  being  packed  to- 
gether it  cannot  pass  on  through  the  contracted 
portion,  and  as  a  result,  it  sets  up  irritation  and 
inflammation,  and  if  not  relieved  the  animal  dies. 
Symptoms  of  Impaction :  The  pain  is  slight  at  first, 
the  horse  shows  signs  of  belly-ache,  but  it  may  soon 
pass  off,  to  return  in  a  few  hours;  the  feces  are 
passed  frequently  at  first,  but  soon  none  is  passed. 
The  abdomen  is  full,  but  not  with*  gas.  After  a 
time  the  pain  becomes  more  severe,  the  horse  paws, 
looks  around  at  its  flank,  lies  down  on  its  side  with 
its  legs  outstretched,  and  may  lie  in  this  position 
quietly  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  get  up  and  lie 
down  in  the  same  way.  It  seems  to  be  fairly  easy 
in  this  position.  This  may  continue  for  a  day  or 
two,  but  inflammation  soon  sets  in;  then  the  pain 
becomes  continuous,  the  animal  breathes  fast,  and 
the  pulse,  which  was  not  much  affected  in  the  early 
stage,  now  becomes  fast  and  it  may  be  weak,  and 


5G  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

the  animal  dies.  Treatment:  Give  aloes,  one 
ounce;  carbonate  of  soda,  one  ounce;  ground 
ginger,  one  ounce;  powdered  nux  vomica,  one 
dram.  Dissolve  this  in  half  a  pint  of  boiling 
water,  then  add  half  a  pint  more  of  cold  water, 
and  give  at  one  dose;  or  give  one  quart  of 
raw  linseed  oil,  ten  drops  of  croton  oil,  and  one 
dram  of  nux  vomica  at  a  dose.  If  there  is  much 
pain,  give  from  one  to  two  drams  of  the  fluid  ex- 
tract of  belladonna,  in  half  a  pint  of  raw  linseed 
oil,  every  two  hours.  If  the  physic  does  not  op- 
erate in  fifteen  or  twenty-four  hours,  repeat  the 
dose.  The  action  of  the  physic  may  be  assisted  by 
giving  injections  of  soap  and  water  every  half  hour 
at  first,  and  if  no  action,  give  injections  of  two 
ounces  of  turpentine  in  half  a  pint  of  oil  every  hour. 
Allow  the  horse  as  much  chilled  water  as  it  will 
drink.  Kneading  the  belly  and  walking  exercise 
are  useful  before  the  pain  is  severe;  after  that, 
keep  the  animal  as  quiet  as  possible.  If  the 
physic  and  „other  treatment  are  begun  early, 
the  animal  usually  recovers.  I  have  made  ex- 
aminations of  animals  which  have  died  from 
impaction,  and  found  three  and  four  feet  of  the 
colon  impacted  with  a  mass  of  tough,  half-mas- 
ticated grass,  which  no  medicine  could  remove. 
-(  onstipation  may  occur  in  animals  which  are  fed 
for  a  long  time  dry,  innutritious  food,  and  a  dry 
condition  of  the  bowels.  If  the  case  is  not  se- 
vere, change  of  diet,  such  as  bran  mash  and  boiled 
flaxseed,  is  all  that  is  required,  but  if  there  is  colic, 
give  from  a  pint  to  a  quart  of  raw  linseed  oil,  with 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  57 

from  one  to  two  drams  of  the  fluid  extract  of  bella- 
donna in  it.  Injections  of  warm  water  and  soap 
are  very  useful.  Give  the  animal  regular  exercise. 
Constipation  in  foals  will  be  treated  in  the  chap- 
ter, "How  to  Take  Care  of  the  Foal." 

Indigestible  colic  is  caused  by  eating  straw  and 
corn  stalks;  pea  straw  is  notorious  for  causing  it, 
also  bad  teeth  and  want  of  sufficient  water  and 
exercise.  Symptoms:  The  horse  shows  signs  of 
colicky  pains  by  pawing  with  its  fore  foot ;  it  will 
lie  down  and  keep  down  for  hours,  as  it  seems  to 
be  easy  in  this  posture.  If  the  animal  is  made  to 
rise,  it  will  go  to  the  manger  and  begin  to  eat,  and 
may  continue  doing  so  for  some  time,  occasionally 
looking  around  its  side,  switching  its  tail,  and  kick- 
ing with  one  hind  leg.  Sooner  or  later  it  lies  down 
and  remains  down  for  some  time,  unless  made  to 
rise.  The  breathing  and  the  pulse  remain  normal. 
The  horse  may  remain  in  this  condition  for  several 
days,  and  may  get  well;  or  it  may  become  a  very 
severe  case  of  colic.  Treatment:  Give  aloes,  one 
ounce;  soda  carbonate,  one  ounce;  ground  ginger, 
one  ounce.  Dissolve  this  in  half  a  pint  of  boiling 
water,  then  add  half  a  pint  more  of  cold  water,  and 
give  at  one  dose.  One  to  two  drams  of  the  fluid 
extract  of  belladonna  can  be  given  instead  of  the 
aloes.  Injections  of  soap  and  water  should  be 
given  several  times  daily  until  the  physic  operates. 
Feed  good  hay  and  oats  in  small  quantities  and 
give  regular  exercise. 

Intestinal  Concretions. — There  are  concretions 
sometimes  found  in  the  stomach  and  large  intes- 


58  .     DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

tines  of  horses  and  cattle,  composed  mostly  of  veg- 
etable and  mineral  matter,  and  hair  balls.  The 
symptoms  of  these  are  those  of  colic  and  constipa- 
tion, and  are  only  found  on  post-mortem  examina- 
tions. The  treatment  is  the  same  as  for  constipa- 
tion. 

Intussusception,  or  invagination,  is  the  slipping 
of  one  portion  of  the  intestine  into  another.  This 
occurs  most  often  in  the  small  gut.  There  are  no 
symptoms  by  which  we  can  be  sure  that  such  a 
thing  exists,  as  the  symptoms  are  those  of  severe 
colic  or  inflammation  of  the  bowels. 

Volvulus,  or  gut-tie,  or  twisting  of  the  bowels,  is 
an  accident  which  happens  to  horses  from  violent 
straining,  and  is  sometimes  caused  by  spasmodic 
colic.  It  is  only  after  death,  when  an  examination 
is  made,  that  we  discover  the  twist.  The  symp- 
toms are  those  of  severe  colic,  and  medicine  does 
not  relieve  the  animal's  suffering.  From  that  we 
conclude  that  some  lesion  of  the  bowels  has  taken 
place. 

ENTERITIS    (INFLAMMATION   OF  THE   BOWELS). 

This  disease  may  affect  the  mucous  membrane, 
or  the  walls  of  the  bowels  may  be  all  involved.  The 
cause  of  inflammation  of  the  bowels  is  often  ob- 
scure, although  I  have  seen  a  number  of  cases  of 
true  enteritis,  where  a  large  portion  of  both  large 
and  small  intestines  were  affected,  and  could  find 
no  cause.  Irritating  medicine  and  poisons  will  pro- 
duce it.  Obstructions  in  the  bowels  will  also  cause 
a  portion  of  them  to  become  inflamed.  It  is  said  that 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  5J> 

spasmodic  colic  will  sometimes  terminate  in  inflam- 
mation, from  giving  cold  water  when  the  animal  is 
hot  and  exhausted,  or  from  feeding  musty  hay 
and  oats  or  any  kind  of  bad  food.  Symptoms:  It 
usually  comes  on  gradually.  I  have  known  cases 
in  which  the  horse  was  only  thought  to  be  off  for  a 
few  days,  and  no  bad  result  suspected.  If  the  ani- 
mal is  examined  carefully  from  the  beginning,  it 
will  be  found  that  both  the  pulse  and  the  tempera- 
ture will  be  increased,  which  is  not  the  case  in 
colic.  The  membrane  of  the  mouth  and  nose  are 
congested,  and  are  of  a  dark  red  color,  the  mouth 
is  hot  and  dry  and  the  breathing  is  increased,  the 
colicky  pains  are  continuous,  the  animal  walks 
around  or  -lies  down  very  carefully,  turns  on  his 
back  against  the  side  of  the  stall,  and  remains  in 
this  position  for  a  few  minutes,  but  will  not  be 
still,  as  it  will  keep  its  head  on  the  move  and  there 
is  an  expression  of  anguish.  As  the  disease  goes 
on,  the  pulse  becomes*  very  fast,  eighty  to  one  hun- 
dred per  minute;  temperature  one  hundred  and 
five  to  one  hundred  and  six.  The  animal  pants 
and  moans,  and  sweat  breaks  out  all  over  the  body. 
The  animal  is  continually  on  the  move,  not  a  mo- 
ment of  relief.  The  bowels  may  be  constipated  or 
diarrhoea  may  be  present.  After  a  while  the  walls 
of  the  belly  become  tucked  up,  and  hard  and  tender 
tothetouch,the  back  is  arched,  the  ears  lopped  and 
cold,  champing  of  the  jaws  from  pain.  The  animal 
now  walks  around  its  stall  stiffly,  may  stagger  or 
may  stand  and  tremble  violently  and  then  fall  to 
the  ground  and  die  with  a  few  convulsive  strug- 


60  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

gles.  Fever  aiid  a  continual  pain,  with  great  rest- 
lessness and  an  anxious  expression  from  beginning 
to  end,  will  enable  us  to  form  a  correct  opinion  be- 
tween  inflammation  of  the  bowels  and  spasmodic 
colic.  Treatment:  Give  powdered  opium,  two 
drains;  tincture  of  aconite  root,  twenty  to  thirty 
drops,  every  two  or  three  hours  in  a  little  gruel 
Calomel  in  one  dram  doses  twice  a  day  is  useful. 
Injections  of  simple  hot  water  may  be  tried,  but  if 
it  increases  the  pain,  it  should  not  be  persevered 
with.  Blankets  wrung  out  of  boiling  water  and  ap- 
plied to  the  sides  are  useful,  if  well  done;  but  on 
account  of  the  restlessness  of  the  animal  this  can- 
not be  done  with  satisfaction.  Mustard  applied  to 
the  belly  is  better. 

Diarrhoea  is  caused  by  animals  eating  mushy 
food  and  grasses  on  low,  marshy  lands,  too  much 
green  food  when  the  animal  is  not  used  to  it,  driv- 
ing after  eating  a  large  quantity  of  soft  food, 
drinking  bad  water,  and  from  a  deranged  condi- 
tion of  some  other  organs  of  the  body.  Diarrhoea 
is  often  an  effort  to  rid  the  system  of  some  dele- 
terious substance  from  the  body.  Symptoms: 
The  frequent  evacuations  of  liquid  faeces.  In  some 
cases  there  is  pain  and  in  others  it  is  absent.  If 
it  is  continuous  for  some  time,  there  will  be  loss  of 
appetite  and  emaciation.  The  discharge  varies 
very  much;  sometimes  the  animal  will  pass  enor- 
mous quantities  of  very  liquid  faeces;  and  in  a 
case  of  this  kind,  it  requires  to  be  stopped  as  soon 
as  possible  or  it  will  soon  exhaust  the  animal  by 
removing  too  much  liquid  from  the  system.     On 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  61 

the  other  hand,  if  it  is  not  severe,  more  time  can  be 
given.  Treatment:  Find  the  cause,  if  possible. 
If  it  is  from  faulty  food1  or  water,  change  these  and 
little  more  is  needed.  If  from  a  change  of  food  or 
indigestible  food,  give  one  and  one-half  pints  to 
one  quart  of  raw  linseed  oil  and  two  drams  of  the 
fluid  extract  of  belladonna  in  it  at  one  dose.  After 
this  has  operated,  if  it  does  not  stop,  give  one  dram 
powdered  opium,  one  dram  camphor,  made  into  a 
ball.  Repeat  in  four  hours  if  necessary.  Or  give 
powdered  opium  one  dram,  powdered  catechu  two 
drams,  made  into  a  ball  or  put  in  a  quart  of  starch 
gruel;  or  give  one  dram  opium  and  a  tablespoon- 
ful  of  chalk  in  starch  gruel.  Sometimes  ginger, 
gentian,  and  chalk,  a  tablespoonful  of  each,  given 
in  a  quart  of  starch  gruel,  every  three  hours,  will 
stop  it.  If  the  discharge  is  of  the  severe  kind  and 
very  watery,  give  two  drams  of  powdered  opium 
and  one  dram  of  acetate  of  lead  in  a  ball  or  in 
starch  gruel,  and  repeat  every  two  hours  until  it 
stops;  feed  on  good  oats  and  hay,  in. small  quan- 
tities for  a  few  days.  This  treatment  is  for  cattle 
as  well  as  horses. 

Dysentery  may  be  of  two  kinds;  what  is 
called  bloody  flux,  when  there  is  considera- 
ble blood  mixed  with  the  faeces.  This  form  is  ac- 
companied by  ulceration  and  is  the  most  danger- 
ous. The  other  form  is  a  discharge  of  mucous 
with  the  faeces,  accompanied  by  great  straining. 
Causes:  Inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane 
of  the  bowels  often  resulting  in  dysentery,  espe- 
cially in  cattle;  exposure  to  cold,  coarse,  innutri- 


82  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

tious  food  and  debilitating  influences,  which  act 
slowly;  such  as  scrofula  and  other  blood  diseases. 
Symptoms:  It  may  be  acute  or  chronic.  In  the 
acute  cases  there  is  fever,  with  slight  abdominal 
pains.  The  animal  stands  with  arched  back, 
straining  and  passing  small  quantities  of  thin 
faeces,  tinged  with  blood  or  mucous.  In  some 
cases  strings  or  shreds  of  the  mucous  lining  of  the 
bowels  may  be  passed,  several  inches  in  length. 
I  remember  being  called  to  a  case  of  this  kind  in 
a  horse  in  which  the  owner  thought  the  horse  was 
passing  partly  decayed  worms,  which  he  consid- 
ered were  the  cause  of  the  horse's  ailment,  but 
which  I  found  to  be  strings  of  the  mucous  mem- 
brane. As  the  disease  advances  the  patient  be- 
comes emaciated,  the  pulse  is  fast  and  weak,  the 
temperature  rises,  the  appetite  may  in  some  cases 
remain  fair,  but  usually  it  js  impaired.  The  ani- 
mal becomes  hide-bound,  and  often  the  legs  will 
swell.  There  is  a  very  foul  smell,  and  if  ulcera- 
tion has  set  in  there  will  be  considerable  blood 
of  a  dark  or  nearly  black  color.  The  eyes  become 
sunken,  the  rectum  is  protruded  and  red  and  sore, 
and  if  the  animal  is  not  soon  relieved  will  die  from 
exhaustion,  although  an  animal  may  live  in  this 
condition  for  several  weeks.  Treatment  is  con- 
sidered very  unsatisfactory,  although  if  attended 
to  at  once,  I  have  had  good  results.  First  give  at 
one  dose  a  pint  and  one-half  of  raw  linseed  oil  and 
tincture  of  opium  two  ounces;  follow  this  up  with 
turpentine  one  ounce,  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron 
one  ounce,  boiled  flaxseed  one  quart;  mix  and  give 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  63 

at  one  dose.  Give  a  dose  of  this  kind  three  times 
a  day.  Clean  out  the  bowels  with  warm  water 
injections,  then  inject  the  following  three  times  a 
day:  Acetate  of  lead  two  drams,  carbolic  acid  half 
a  dram,  tincture  of  opium  one  ounce;  mix  this  in  a 
pint  of  thin  starch  gruel.  If  this  treatment  does 
not  relieve  the  animal  in  two  or  three  days,  give 
the  following  three  times  a  day:  Tincture  of  gen- 
tian one  ounce,  tincture  of  ginger  one  ounce,  tinc- 
ture of  chloride  of  iron  one  ounce;  mixed  in  a  quart 
of  starch  gruel.  Ounce  doses  of  bismuth  nitrate  in 
a  quart  of  starch  gruel  have  been  given  with  good 
results  two  or  three  times  daily.  A  teacupful 
of  flaxseed  boiled  into  a  pulp  and  mixed  with  a  lit- 
tle ground  oats  is  good;  also  plenty  of  pure  water. 
If  the  animal  is  chilly  clothe  the  body  and  hand- 
rub  the  legs  and  put  on  bandages.  The  treatment 
could  be  greatly  assisted  by  good  nursing  and  plac- 
ing the  animal  in  a  good,  comfortable  stable  and 
feeding  it  on  good  oats  and  hay. 

Superpurgation  is  caused  by  an  overdose 
of  physic,  or  a  dose  of  physic  given  when 
an  animal  is  in  a  weakened  condition, 
either  from  disease  or  from  exhaustion.  Although 
a  horse  may  purge  severely,  as  long  as  it  eats 
well  and  the  pulse  keeps  near  the  natural  point 
treatment  is  unnecessary,  but  if  it  stops  eating  and 
the  pulse  becomes  rapid  and  weak,  the  breathing 
fast  with  colicky  pains,  and  cold  legs  there  is  great 
danger  of  the  animal  dying  from  inflammation  or 
collapse.  Give  from  one  to  two  drams  of  powdered 
opium  every  two  hours,  and  if  the  legs  and  ears  are 


64  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

cold,  and  the  pulse  very  small,  a  stimulant  will  be 
necessary.  Two  ounces  sweet  spirits  of  nitrous 
ether  and  one  ounce  of  aromatic  spirits  of  am- 
monia in  a  pint  of  cold  water  and  repeat  in  one 
hour  if  necessary,  or  half  a  pint  of  good  whisky 
in  water.  Clothe  the  body  and  hand-rub  the  legs 
and  bandage  them.  If  the  pain  is  severe,  rub  mus- 
tard made  up  with  hot  water  on  the  belly.  When 
the  appetite  returns,  give  boiled  flaxseed  and 
ground  oats  for  a  few  days,  and  very  little  hay. 

Haemorrhoids  (Piles). — This  is  not  a  com- 
mon disease,  but  it  does  happen  at  times. 
When  present  there  appears  a  blood-red  tumor, 
after  the  horse  passes  feces,  which  is  sometimes- 
drawn  in,  and  at  others  it  may  be  seen  at  all 
times.  Treatment:  It  should  be  scarified  and  all 
the  blood  squeezed  out,  then  well  washed  with 
warm  water  and  bathed  with  acetate  of  lead  one 
ounce,  tincture  of  opium  two  ounces,  water  one 
quart;  shake  up  each  time  it  is  used.  Give  soft 
food  with  two  drams  of  sulphate  of  iron  once  a 
day. 

Prolapsus  (Protrusion  of  the  Rectum). — This 
is  caused  by  violent  straining,  constipation,  and 
a  weakened  state  of  the  walls  of  the  intestine. 
After  the  bowel  remains  out  for  some  time,  it  swells 
and  becomes  dark  colored  and  cold,  caused  by  its 
being  strangulated.  I  have  treated  cases  of  this 
kind  when  it  has  been  out  for  several  days,  black 
and  very  foul  smelling  and  the  animal  much  ema- 
ciated. Treatment:  Put  the  animal  in  a  good, 
comfortable  place,  and  give  the  horse  or  ox  two 


t 

DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  C5 

drams  of  opium  in  a  pint  of  raw  linseed  oil;  or 
if  the  animal  is  very  weak,  give  a  good  stimulant, 
half  a  pint  of  whisky.  Put  a  teaspoonful  of  car- 
bolic acid  into  half  a  pail  of  hot  water  and  bathe 
the  part  for  half  an  hour,  then  apply  lead  acetate 
one  ounce;  tincture  of  catechu,  one  ounce;  tincture 
of  opium,  two  ounces ;  water,  one  quart.  After  it  is 
well  bathed  with  a  little  of  this,  return  it  by  gentle 
pressure.  Keep  it  in  with  your  hand  for  a  short 
time,  then  put  on  a  truss,  the  same  as  is  used  for 
falling  down  of  the  womb.  It  will  be  necessary  to 
watch  the  animal  for  ten  or  twelve  hours.  Give 
bran  mash  once  a  day  with  a  dram  of  nux  vomica 
in  it,  for  a  week  or  two.  If  the  outside  sloughs  off 
and  there  is  a  foul  smell,  add  two  drams  of  car- 
bolic acid  to  the  above  lotion.  If  this  is  properly 
attended  to,  very  bad  cases  will  recover. 

Hernia  is  a  protrusion  of  the  gut  through  some 
part,  usually  through  the  walls  of  the  abdomen. 
They  may  be  congenital,  that  is  present  at  birth,  or 
acquired,  when  they  appear  suddenly  later  in  life. 
They  are  also  divided  into  reducible  or  irreducible, 
as  the  bowel  can  or  cannot  be  replaced.  Hernia  is 
dangerous  to  life  only  when  it  becomes  strangu- 
lated. It  is  called  strangulated  hernia  when  it  is 
constricted,  when  it  passes  through  the  opening, 
or  when  feces  accumulate  in  the  sack  and  cannot 
return,  or  from  congestion  of  "the  protruded  part; 
and  if  it  is  not  relieved,  mortification  of  the 
strangulated  part  takes  place  and  the  animal  dies. 
The  symptoms  of  strangulated  hernia  are  a  con- 


66  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

stant  pain,  the  animal  lies  down  and  rolls,  as  in 
colic,  but  continuously.  When  inflammation  sets 
in  in  the  part,  the  pulse  becomes  fast,  the  breath- 
ing heavy,  and  the  animal  sighs.  If  the  hernia  is 
discovered,  it  will  be  found  to  be  enlarged,  hot  and 
tender  to  the  touch.  It  should  be  reduced  if  possi- 
ble by  turning  the  animal  on  its  back  or  side,  ac- 
cording to  the  position  of  the  hernia,  and  by  care- 
ful, steady  pressure  with  the  fingers  on  the  tumors 
it  will  sometimes  pass  in  through  the  opening  and 
the  animal  is  relieved.  If  this  cannot  be  done,  the 
opening  will  require  to  be  made  larger  with  the 
knife.  This  is  done  by  cutting  through  the  skin 
at  the  side  of  the  bunch,  then  feeling  for  the  open- 
ing with  the  fingers,  pass  the  finger  through  the 
opening  at  the  side  of  the  imprisoned  gut,  then 
enter  the  knife  alongside  of  the  finger  with  the 
cutting  edge  towards  the  muscle,  then  cut  out- 
wards large  enough  to  allow  the  sack  and  its  con- 
tents to  be  returned.  A  knife  with  a  probe  point 
is  the  safest.  Then  the  best  way  of  closing  the 
opening  is  by  means  of  steel  skewers  passed 
through  the  skin  and  flesh,  about  an  inch  back  on 
each  side  from  the  opening,  using  one,  two  or  three 
according  to  size  of  opening,  and  by  putting  a 
cord  around  the  ends  of  the  skewer  and  pulling  it 
tight,  will  bring  the  edges  of  the  opening  together. 
Then  put  a  bandage  around  if  it  can  be  done.  Let 
the  skewer  remain  in  until  the  opening  is  closed. 
My  reason  for  using  skewers  when  they  can  be 
used  is  because  thread  or  cat-gut  will  slough  off 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  67 

too  soon,  usually  before  the  part  heals.  In  case 
the  skewers  cannot  be  used,  cat-gut  is  the  next 
best. 

Umbilical  hernia  is  caused  by  a  nonclosure 
of  the  navel  opening,  and  is  usually  seen  soon 
after  birth.  It  is  best  to  let  it  alone  un- 
til the  animal  is  one  year  old,  and  if  nature 
has  not  reduced  it,  an  operation  on  this  kind 
of  hernia  is  always  successful.  Place  the  ani- 
mal on  its  back  and  then  press  in  the  bowel;  then 
take  the  sack  by  the  center  and  pull  it  upwards; 
then  pass  a  small  skewer  (a  piece  of  wire  the  size 
of  a  knitting  needle  and  about  two  inches  long, 
made  sharp  on  one  end,  will  do)  through  the  sack 
close  to  the  flesh;  then  tie  a  small  cord  around  the 
sack  below  the  skewer  tight  enough  to  stop  the 
circulation,  but  not  too  tight  or  it  may  slough  off 
too  soon.  If  it  does  not  slough  off  in  ten  days,  tie 
on  another  cord.  By  the  time  it  sloughs  off  the 
opening  will  be  closed  and  there  will  be  no  further 
trouble. 

Inguinal  hernia  takes  place  in.  stallions  and 
young  animals  far  more  frequently  than  old. 
A  fold  of  intestines  passes  into  the  inguinal  canal, 
through  which  the  spermatic  duct  passes  from  the 
testicle  into  the  pelvis.  Whenever  a  stallion  is  af- 
fected with  symptoms  of  severe  colic,  the  rectum 
should  be  emptied  of  its  contents  by  injections  of 
warm  water,  then  oil  the  hand  and  pass  it  into  the 
intestine  and  feel  for  the  internal  ring.  The  im- 
prisoned intestine  will  be  felt.  Symptoms:  The 
retraction  of  the  testicle  on  the  affected  side,  cold 


68  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

sweats  about  the  scrotum  and  thighs,  looking 
around  to  the  side  affected.  The  history  of  the  case 
will  aid  our  diagnosis.  Treatment:  Cast  the  ani- 
mal and  turn  it  on  its  back.  Then  pass  the  hand 
into  the  rectum  and  by  manipulation  the  intestine, 
in  the  majority  of  cases,  can  be  pushed  back.  If 
not,  call  a  qualified  veterinary  surgeon. 

Scrotal  hernia  is  frequently  seen  in  young 
foals.  The  reason  of  this  is  that  the 
inguinal  canal  is  large  arid  the  intestine 
smaller  and  the  membrane  holds  the  intes- 
tines in  their  places  much  longer  and  looser  in 
comparison  with  the  size  of  the  colt  and  the  full 
grown  horse.  It  is  detected  by  the  enlarged  con- 
dition of  the  scrotum.  It  feels  to  the  fingers  soft 
and  doughy.  If  it  becomes  strangulated  it  causes 
symptoms  as  described.  Treatment:  In  the  foal 
nothing  should  be  done  and  in  the  majority  of  cases 
it  will  right  itself.  As  the  colt  grows,  the  mem- 
brane contracts  and  the  intestine  is  drawn  up  into 
the  cavity  of  the  abdomen.  If  not  by  the  time  the 
colt  is  two  years  old,  it  can  be  castrated  by  the  cov- 
ered operation.  When  it  happens  in  the  stallion 
it  will  likely  become  strangulated  and  cause  severe 
pain.  I  have  been  called  to  several  cases  where  a 
stallion  had  been  doing  service,  and  was  seized 
with  pain,  which  had  been  treated  for  colic  for  sev- 
eral hours,  without  any  benefit.  On  hearing  the 
history  of  the  case  I  directed  my  attention  to  the 
scrotum,  which  I  found  much  enlarged  and  doughy 
to  the  feel.  Had  the  animal  cast  on  its  back  and 
by  passing  one  hand  into  the  rectum  and  pressing 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  69 

the  intestine  forward  and  downward  the  other 
hand  pressing  on  the  scrotum,  relieved  the 
animal  in  a  few  minutes.  The  animal  should  not 
be  used  for  any  purpose  for  a  week  or  ten  days.  If 
this  cannot  be  accomplished  in  this  way  the  horse 
will  have  to  be  operated  upon. 

Ventral  hernia  is  the  name  given  when 
the  bowel  or  its  covering  passes  through  an 
opening  in  the  walls  of  the  abdomen.  This 
is  usually  caused  by  injuries.  Soon  after 
the  accident  happens  there  will  be  consider- 
able swelling  of  the  surrounding  tissue,  which 
makes  it  sometimes  difficult  to  determine  whether 
there  is  a  hernia  or  not.  This  inflammation  or 
swelling  is  best  reduced  by  constant  applications 
of  acetate  of  lead,  one-half  ounce  to  the  quart  of 
water.  In  the  majority  of  cases  of  this  kind  of 
rupture  it  is  best  not  to  do  anything  after  the 
swelling  is  reduced.  This  kind  of  rupture  seldom 
becomes  strangulated. 


70  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  LIVER. 

The  majority  of  the  diseases  of  the  liver  in  ani- 
mals are  difficult  to  detect  during  life,  and  it  is  only 
on  post-mortem  examinations  that  it  is  found  that 
I  the  liver  has  been  diseased.  Indeed,  it  is  wonderful 
sometimes  to  find  such  a  diseased  condition  of  this 
organ,  and  yet  the  animal  having  been  in  apparent 
good  health  and  flesh  up  to  the  time  when  it  was 
killed.  On  the  other  hand  I  have  seen  cases  of 
great  emaciation  and  dropsy,  especially  in  cattle, 
from  diseases  of  this  organ. 

Jaundice. — This  disease  is  sometimes  seen  in 
the  horse  and  ox.  I  had  a  well-marked 
case  of  jaundice  in  a  horse.  It  presented 
the  following  symptoms:  Dullness,  loss  of 
appetite,  some  fever,  feces  light-colored,  urine 
scanty  and  dark  in  color.  The  membrane 
of  the  eyes,  mouth,  and  nostrils  were  very  yel- 
low, and  the  animal's  breath  was  very  foul  smell- 
ing. At  first  the  mouth  was, dry  and  somewhat 
clammy,  the  pulse  sixty-six  and  strong,  the  animal 
seemed  stiff  on  being  moved,  and  if  left  alone  would 
stand  in  one  position  for  hours;  the  bowels  were 
somewhat  constipated.  This  horse  had  been  well 
fed,  with  very  little  work  and  that  irregular.  In 
this  case  the  treatment  was  as  follows:  Aloes,  six 
drams;  calomel,  one  dram;  made  into  a  ball,  or  it 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  71 

could  be  given  in  oatmeal  gruel ;  nitrate  of  potassi- 
um in  half-ounce  doses  three  times  a  day  in  the 
drinking  water.  After  the  physic  operated  it  got 
one  dram  of  diluted  nitro-hydrochloric  acid  three 
times  a  day  in  half  a  pint  of  cold  water  for  one 
week,  and  by  this  time  the  animal  had  completely 
recovered.  Gamgee  mentions  an  animal  which 
died  of  jaundice,  caused  by  a  blocking  up  of  the  gall 
duct  by  gall  stones.  Hydatids,  abscesses  and  other 
enlargements  blocking  up  the  gall  duct  will  cause 
jaundice  and  may  be  the  death  of  the  animal.  Cat- 
tle are  sometimes  affected  with  jaundice.  For  them 
Epsom  salts  in  doses  of  one  and  a  half  pounds,  dis- 
solved in  half  a  gallon  of  water,  and  given  at  one 
dose.  After  the  physic  operates  give  the  acid  as 
above  mentioned. 

CONGESTION  OP  THE  LIVER. 

This  is  not  a  common  disease  among  animals, 
but  it  is  sometimes  seen  in  horses  and  cattle  that 
have  been  highly  fed  on  stimulating  foods. 

Symptoms :  There  is  high  fever,  fast  pulse,  from 
eighty  to  ninety  in  cattle,  and  sixty  to  eighty  in  the 
horse;  the  temperature  is  one  hundred  and  three  to 
one  hundred  and  five,  appetite  is  lost,  there  is  con- 
siderable thirst,  and  it  has  been  noticed  that  the 
limbs  and  ears  are  cold,  the  eyes  are  dilated  and 
blanched,  the  animal  is  very  restive  and  looks 
around  at  its  right  side;  the  horse  is  stiff,  and  if 
made  to  walk  will  be  lame  in  its  right  fore  leg,  the 
urine  is  high  colored,  the  breath  is  foetid,  and  the 
mouth  is  hot  and  clammy.     If  the  animal  is  not 


72  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

soon  relieved  its  brain  becomes  affected  and  it  will 
die  of  convulsions.  In  making  post-mortem  exam- 
inations of  cases  of  this  kind  the  liver  is  found  en- 
larged and  distended  with  blood;  in  some  cases  it 
may  be  only  in  patches,  the  other  parts  being  of  a 
gray  or  light  brown  color,  which  shows  that  it  has 
undergone  change  when  the  disease  has  been  of 
longer  duration;  very  often  it  is  found  that  the  ca- 
pillaries of  the  liver  have  given  wray  and  the  blood 
has  extravasated  into  the  liver  tissue,  and  that  it 
is  badly  broken  up  and  is  only  held  together  by  its 
capsule. 

Treatment:  For  the  horse,  give  aloes,  one  ounce, 
as  a  physic;  for  cattle,  one  and  a  half  pounds  of  Ep- 
som salts;,  this  to  be  followed  by  giving  a  stimu- 
lant of  spirits  of  nitrous  ether,  two  ounces  in  half  a 
pint  of  cold  wrater,  three  times  a  day.  After  the 
physic  has  operated  take  four  ounces  sulphuric 
acid  diluted,  compound  tincture  of  cinnamon  four 
ounces,  mix,  and  give  a  tablespoonful  in  a  quart 
of  water  three  times  a  day  to  horses  or  cattle  until 
the  animal  improves.  If  the  liver  remains  inactive 
after  this  treatment,  give  one  dram  of  the  extract 
of  podophyllum  and  one  dram  of  calomel,  made  into 
a  ball  or  given  in  a  quart  of  oatmeal  gruel  once  a 
day  until  it  acts  on  the  bowels. 

HEPATITIS    (INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    LIVER). 

This  derangement  is  sometimes  seen  in  both 
horses  and  cattle,  and  is  caused  by  their  being  in 
too  plethoric  conditions  in  hot  weather.  It  is  said 
also  to  be  caused  by  changes  of  temperature,  of 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  }3 

food,  and  from  want  of  exercise.  I  have  seen  it 
caused  as  a  result  of  distemper  and  influenza,  end- 
ing in  the  formation  of  an  abscess  and  death. 

Symptoms :  In  the  early  stage  of  the  disease  it  is 
very  difficult  to  tell  what  it  is.  Usually  there  is  a 
yellowness  of  the  membrane  of  the  nose,  eyes,  and 
mouth,  and  if  any  part  of  the  skin  of  the  animal  is 
white  it  will  have  a  yellow  tinge;  there  is  fever,  in- 
dicated by  loss  of  appetite,  hot,  clammy  mouth,  fast 
pulse,  and  rather  full  in  the  early  stage.  If  it  is  a 
cow  it  will  moan  if  made  to  move,  or  if  it  is  pressed 
on  the  right  side,  but  does  not  go  lame  as  the  horse 
does,  the  secretions  of  bile  are  arrested,  the  bowels 
will  be  constipated,  and  the  feces  dry  and  coated 
with  mucous.  The  milk  will  be  scanty  and  of  a 
yellow  color,  and  the  cream  thick  and  ropy.  The 
animal  suffers  much  pain  at  times  and  is  very  rest- 
less. When  abscesses  form  the  animal  becomes 
very  much  emaciated,  the  hair  is  dry  and  stands  up, 
the  animal  may  eat  some  food,  but  usually  very  lit- 
tle, and  it  pines  away  and  dies.  It  is  only  on  mak- 
ing a  post-mortem  that  we  ascertain  the  true  nature 
of  the  disease. 

Treatment :  Apply  a  blister  to  the  right  side  and 
give  a  dose  of  physic,  aloes  for  the  horse  and  Epsom 
salts  for  cattle.  If  the  fever  is  high  give  from 
twenty  to  thirty  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite  every 
two  hours  until  the  pulse  is  lower;  also  give  half 
ounce  doses  nitrate  of  potassiu^n  three  times  a  day 
in  the  drinking  water.  When  the  acute  stage  is 
over  give  dram  doses  of  diluted  nitro-hydrochloric 
acid  in  a  D;nt  of  cold  W9ter  three  times  a  day. 


74  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER    V. 

DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS. 

Acute  Catarrh. — Catarrh,  or  cold,  is  an  inflam- 
mation of  the  membrane  lining  the  nostrils  and 
the  cavities  of  the  face  and  head.  It  is  attended 
with  a  watery,  then  with  a  mattery  discharge  from 
the  nose,  and  occasionally  with  cough  and  sore 
throat. 

Causes:  The  direct  causes  of  acute  catarrh  are 
exposure  to  cold  and  wet,  particularly  when  heat- 
ed and  weakened  from  overwork,  and  in  contact 
with  animals  suffering  from  the  same  disturbance. 
When  animals  are  placed  in  damp,  badly  venti- 
lated stables,  or  when  they  are  standing  when  the 
system  has  been  weakened  by  over-driving,  the 
influence  of  the  cold  suddenly  applied  acts  detri- 
mentally upon  them. 

Symptoms:  Are  sneezing,  redness  and  dryness 
of  the  membrane  of  the  nose,  then  a  watery  dis- 
charge of  an  irritating  character,  succeeded  after 
a  few  days  by  a  turbid  yellow  discharge.  The  lin- 
ings of  the  eyelids  are  more  or  less  affected,  and 
there  is  a  copious  discharge  of  tears.  If  the  throat 
is  affected,  there  will  be  a  cough.  The  fever  in 
some  cases  is  very  slight,  the  appetite  remains  un- 
impaired, and  there  is  no  alteration  of  the  pulse  or 
breathing.  In  other  cases  there  is  considerable 
fever,  the  appetite  diminished  or  may  be  lost,  the 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  75 

pulse  from  sixty  ta  seventy,  and  the  temperature 
one  hundred  and  one  to  one  hundred  and  two;  the 
animal  hangs  its  head,  the  coat  stares  or  there  may 
be  shivering  fits,  the  breathing  is  accelerated,  and 
the  animal  has  a  desire  for  water.  In  some  cases 
the  animal  stands,  and,  if  moved,  seems  stiff;  the 
legs  and  feet  are  cold,  the  urine  thick  and  scanty. 
The  disease  usually  in  the  otherwise  healthy  horse 
runs  its  course  in  ten  days  to  two  weeks.  In  all 
cases  it  is  better  not  to  work  horses  suffering  from 
a  simple  cold,  as  the  exhaustion  caused  by  the  work 
is  very  liable  to  set  up  lung  trouble.  In  some  cases 
the  membrane  of  the  nose  becomes  weakened  by  the 
disease  and  the  animal  suffers  from  chronic  catarrh 
with  a  discharge  from  one  or  both  nostrils.  If  the 
sinuses  of  the  face  and  head  are  affected  the  disease 
is  called  nasal  gleet. 

Treatment:  With  all  mild  forms  of  catarrh  no 
treatment  is  necessary,  but  rest  and  attention  to 
the  animal's  comfort.  If  possible  put  the  horse  in 
a  roomy,  light,  and  well  ventilated,  but  not  cold 
place.  In  all  cases  where  fever  is  marked  it  will 
be  needful  to  give  medicine  to  assist  the  animal 
through  the  fever.  It  is  best  to  give  the  medicine 
in  the  drinking  water.  If  the  throat  is  sore  and 
swallowing  difficult,  it  will  be  necessary  to  give  it 
as  a  drench.  Great  care  must  be  taken  in  giving 
medicine  when  the  throat  is  sore.  For  reducing 
the  fever  take  two  drams  of  chlorate  of  potassium 
and  two  drams  of  nitrate  of  potassium,  and  give 
twice  daily  in  the  drinking  water.  If  the  throat  is 
sore  and  the  cough  troublesome,  give  one  dram  of 


76  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

camphor  and  one  dram  of  belladonna,  dissolved  in 
an  ounce  of  glycerine,  then  add  one-half  pint  of 
gruel,  and  give  at  one  dose  three  times  a  day.  Rub 
mustard  on  the  throat  and  between  the  jaws.  Be- 
sides this,  great  benefit  will  be  obtained  by  steam- 
ing the  nostrils,  by  taking  a  pail  of  boiling  water 
and  putting  a  piece  of  camphor  about  the  size  of  a 
walnut  in  it  and  holding  it  under  the  nose  for  ten 
or  fifteen  minutes  at  a  time,  three  times  a  day.  Give 
the  animal  plenty  of  clean,  cold  water  to  drink,  and 
any  kind  of  food  it  will  eat.  After  the  animal  be- 
comes convalescent,  give  one  dram  of  sulphate  of 
iron,  and  a  tablespoonful  of  ground  gentian  at  a 
dose  in  a  bran  mash  twice  daily.  During  the  fever 
blanket  the  body  and  hand-rub  and  bandage  the 
legs.  If  the  bowels  are  constipated,  give  injections 
of  warm  water,  or  if  necessary,  give  a  pint  of  raw 
linseed  oil,  but  do  not  give  strong  purgatives. 

CHRONIC    CATARRH. 

Is  sometimes  the  result  of  a  neglected  case  of  sim- 
ple catarrh.  There  is  a  discharge  from  the  nos- 
trils, and  wThen  we  look  at  the  mucous  membrane 
of  the  nose  it  is  of  a  leaden  hue.  There  is  often  an 
unthrifty  condition  of  the  coat,  but  usually  the  ap- 
petite remains  good.  When  the  discharge  is  thin 
and  of  a  bluish  color  it  is  termed  nasal  gleet.  The 
sinuses  of  the  face  and  head  sometimes  get  filled 
up  with  matter  and  bulge  out,  which  can  be  easily 
seen,  and  when  tapped  with  the  finger  emit  a  dull 
sound. 

Treatment:     Give  a  dram  of  sulphate  of  copper 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  77 

at  a  dose  three  times  a  day  in  a  small  bran  mash. 
Steam  the  nostrils  with  a  pail  of  hot  water,  in 
which  two  ounces  of  turpentine  have  been  put. 
Keep  this  under  the  animal's  nose  for  ten  minutes 
at  a  time,  two  or  three  times  a  day;  or  make  a  hot 
bran  mash  and  put  one  dram  carbolic  acid,  iodine, 
or  sulphuric  acid  in  it.  If  the  sinuses  are  bulged 
out,  they  must  be  opened.  A  trephine  is  the  best 
instrument  for  this  purpose.  A  small  piece  of  skin 
about  the  size  of  a  silver  dollar  is  removed,  then  a 
piece  of  the  bone  is  sawn  out.  Then  clean  it  out 
with  a  syringe  and  use  carbolic  lotion.  Wash  out 
twice  a  day.  After  treatment  with  copper  for  a 
few  weeks  and  the  animal  not  improving,  give  one- 
half  ounce  of  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  twice  a 
day  in  a  mash.  All  animals  affected  with  chronic 
catarrh  should  be  kept  by  themselves  in  case  of 
affecting  others,  as  it  may  become  a  case  of 
glanders. 

Epistaxis  (bleeding  from  the  nose). — This  de- 
rangement is  not  of  frequent  occurrence  in  horses 
or  cattle,  but  it  sometimes  takes  place. 

Causes :  Sneezing,  coughing,  or  any  violent  exer- 
tion, pulling  heavy  loads,  or  driving  too  fast,  a  tight 
collar  or  bearing  rein,  especially  if  the  animal  is 
fat,  or  injuries  to  the  mucous  membrane. 

Symptoms:  The  blood  oozes  from  one  or  both  nos- 
trils, or  may  be  forced  out  in  a  stream  by  violent 
sneezing.  The  blood  is  of  a  dark  color.  Bleeding 
from  the  lungs  comes  always  from  both  nostrils, 
and  is  of  a  bright  scarlet  color  and  frothy. 

Treatment:    Tie  up  the  animal's  head  and  apply 


78  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

cold  water  or  ice  to  the  back  of  the  head.  Strong 
alum  water  should  be  injected,  or  acetate  of  lead 
half  an  ounce,  water  one  pint;  or  flour  may  be 
blown  into  the  nostrils.  I  have  had  good  success 
from  blowing  prepared  chalk.  In  very  bad  cases 
the  nostrils  will  have  to  be  plugged.  Take  tow  or 
some  soft  substance  and  tie  a  soft  string  around  it, 
then  press  this  into  the  nostril;  never  plug  both 
nostrils  at  once.  Hypodermic  injections  of  tinc- 
ture of  ergot  of  rye,  one  to  two  ounces,  are  some- 
times useful. 

LARYNGITIS,    OR    SORE    THROAT. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  soft  tissue  and 
mucous  membrane  of  the  larynx,  and  occasionally 
extending  to  the  windpipe. 

Causes:  The  same  as  catarrh.  A  very  common 
cause  is  bringing  a  horse  from  a.  cold  to  a  warm 
stable,  or  when  the  animal  is  first  brought  in  from 
the  field  and  put  into  a  close  stable. 

Symptoms:  Pain  in  the  throat  when  the  animal 
is  swallowing  food  or  water,  or  when  the  throat  is 
slightly  pressed.  The  horse  keeps  his  nose  ele- 
vated so  as  to  ease  the  throat.  The  mouth  con- 
tains a  quantity  of  ropy  saliva,  the  animal's  throat 
being  too  sor.e  to  swallow  it.  Cough  is  easily  caused 
by  attempting  to  swallow,  and  fluids  are  ejected 
through  the  nose.  At  the  beginning  the  cough  is 
hard  and  rather  rough;  when  the  morbid  action  ad- 
vances, and  the  discharge  is  considerable,  the  cough 
becomes  soft  and  the  sound  loss  rough;  There  is 
more  or  less  fever.     The  pulse  from  sixty  to  eighty, 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  79 

and  the  temperature  is  somewhat  increased.  The 
animal  seems  afraid  to  eat,  and  when  it  does  and 
attempts  to  swallow,  it  brings  on  a  fit  of  coughing, 
in  some  cases  nearly  suffocating  the  animal,  and 
the  chewed  food  will  be  forced  partially  through 
the  nose.  From  the  effects  of  the  inflammation  the 
soft  structures  of  the  throat  may  swell  to  such  an 
extent  as  to  cause  suffocation,  and  this  takes  place 
sometimes  in  a  few  hours;  there  may  be  no  ex- 
ternal swelling,  although  it  is  sometimes  present. 
The  breathing  becomes  very  difficult,  with  a  loud, 
rough  sound  that  can  be  heard  several  yards  away. 
When  this  takes  place  treatment  requires  to  be 
prompt  to  prevent  the  animal  from  suffocating. 
Should  life  be  prolonged  for  a  few  days,  the  breath 
becomes  very  foetid,  and  the  discharge  from  the 
mouth  and  nose  is  very  offensive.  In  some  cases 
of  this  affection  a  thickening  of  the  membrane  of 
the  throat  causes  thick  wind  or  roaring. 

Treatment:  In  this  disease,  in  the  majority  of 
cases,  it  is  impossible  to  give  medicine,  as  the  ani- 
mal cannot  swallow,  but  if  it  can  swallow  water, 
give  two  drams  of  chlorate  of  potassium  and  two 
drams  of  nitrate  of  potass,  in  the  drinking  water 
three  times  a  day;  steam  the  nostrils  with  hot  water 
with  a  piece  of  camphor  in  it.  This  should  be  done 
in  bad  cases  and  when  there  is  a  tendency  to  suffo- 
cation almost  continually.  Apply  mustard  to 
the  outside  of  the  throat,  and  put  a  piece 
of  blanket  over  it.  Repeat  the  mustard  in 
two  days.  Also  gargle  the  throat  with  the 
following:    The  fluid  extract  of   belladonna,  one 


80  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

drain;  chlorate  of  potass.,  one  (Irani;  water,  half  a 
pint.  Shake  up  well,  elevate  the  head  and  pour  a 
little  into  the  mouth,  and  rub  the  tongue  with  the 
fingers  to  make  it  move,  so  that  the  gargle  will 
reach  the  sore  part.  When  the  animal  wants  to 
cough  let  the  head  down,  and  when  it  gets  over  it 
pour  in  a  little  more,  and  so  on  until  the  half  pint  is 
all  used.  In  bad  cases  this  should  be  done  often. 
I  have  been  called  to  cases  where  the  horse  was  in 
great  distress,  and  by  persevering  with  the  above 
treatment,  in  a  few  hours  the  animal  would  be 
greatly  relieved.  If  there  is  swelling  on  the  outside 
of  the  throat,  great  benefit  can  be  obtained  by 
fomenting  with  hot  water  or  applying  hot  poultices 
of  linseed  meal,  changing  as  soon  as  they  get  cool. 
Some  recommend  cotton  wool  soaked  in  hot  oil 
and  put  around  the  neck.  If  there  is  a  possibility  of 
suffocation,  the  animal  should  be  watched,  and 
we  ought  not  to  risk  the  chance  of  this,  but  perform 
the  operation  of  tracheotomy.  This  operation  is 
performed  by  feeling  for  the  windpipe,  five  or  six 
inches  below  the  throat.  At  this  part  there  is  very 
little  flesh.  Take  a  sharp  knife  and  cut  through  the 
skin  and  windpipe,  making  a  cut  about  two  inches 
in  length.  The  animal's  head  should  be  held  up  by 
an  assistant,  and  as  soon  as  the,  opening  is  made, 
le't  the  head  down,  so  that  the  blood  will  not  run 
into  the  windpipe.  Sponge  the  wound  with  acid 
carbolic,  half  an  ounce;  water,  one  quart,  to  wash 
away  the  blood.  Then  put  in  a  tracheotomy  tube, 
and  if  one  is  not  at  hand  get  a  piece  of  stiff  gutta- 
percha tube  about  half  an  inch  in  diameter,  and 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  81 

cut  two  holes  in  the  side  of  it  to  tie  two  pieces  of 
string;  tie  this  around  the  neck,  and  insert  the 
other  end  into  the  windpipe;  this  will  give  imme- 
diate relief.  The  tube  should  be  removed  once  a 
day  and  cleaned  with  carbolic  acid,  half  an  ounce; 
water,  one  quart.  Several  times  a  day  the  hand 
should  be  placed  over  the  mouth  of  the  tube  to  find 
out  how  the  animal  can  breathe  through  the  nos- 
trils, and  when  it  is  able  to  do  so,  the  tube  can  be 
withdrawn,  the  edges  of  the  wound  cleaned  and 
brought  together  by  pins  or  stitches  through  the 
skin  on  each  side,  and  bathed  once  a  day  with  car- 
bolic lotion.  Usually  the  animal  recovers.  Al- 
though, if  the  operation  has  not  been  done  before 
the  animal  was  in  a  dying  condition, 'it  does  not 
usually  survive.  If  the  cough  remains  after  all 
other  symptoms  have  disappeared,  blister  the 
throat  with  biniodide  of  mercury,  one  and  one-half 
drams ;  vaseline,  two  ounces ;  repeat  every  second 
week  for  a  month  or  two;  also  give  one  dram  of 
iodide  of  potassium  in  the  drinking  water  in  the 
morning,  and  two  drams  of  sulphate  of  iron  in  the 
evening  in  a  bran  mash,  made  by  boiling  a  teacup- 
ful  of  flaxseed  in  two  gallons  of  water  and  mix- 
ing it  with  bran.  This  ought  to  be  kept  up  for 
three  or  four  weeks,  or  give  Fowler's  solution  of  ar- 
senic, one  ounce,  in  bran  mash  once  a  day  and  con- 
tinue it  for  a  month. 

BRONCHITIS. 

Is  an  inflammation  of  the  tubes  of  the  lungs,  char- 
acterized by  a  harsh  cough,  accelerated  breathing. 


82  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

a  soft,  frequent  pulse,  with  more  or  less  finer. 

Causes:  It  is  often  the  result  of  sore  throat  or  the 
same  causes  as  catarrh,  and  is  ofteu  caused  by 
smoke  and  the  inhalation  of  irritating  gases;  ot 
solids  and  fluids  passing  down  the  windpipe  in- 
stead of  the  gullet;  changes  of  the  atmosphere,  as 
prevailing  cold  winds  combined  with  moisture,  and 
from  a  deranged  condition  of  the  system  from 
other  diseases.  I  have  seen  some  cases  of  it  in 
which  I  could  not  find  any  cause. 

Symptoms:  The  horse  is  dull,  hangs  its 
head,  the  breathing  is  greatly  increased,  the 
appetite  is  impaired,  there  is  a  short,  dry 
cough;  in  the  early  stages  of  the  disease 
t-he  pulse  is  increased  in  frequency.  As  the 
disease  advances  the  cough  becomes  more  trouble- 
some; it  is  loud  and  rough.  On  placing  the  ear  at 
the  root  of  the  windpipe  there  will  be  a  loud,  rough 
rattle,  or  if  the  smaller  tubes  are  affected  the  sound 
can  be  heard  behind  the  shoulder.  The  difference 
between  bronchitis  and  laryngitis  is,  the  sound 
gets  louder  the  farther  down  you  put  the  ear  on 
the  windpipe,  and  the  sound  can  also  be  heard  be- 
hind the  shoulder.  In  laryngitis  it  is  loudest  in  the 
upper  part  of  the  windpipe;  also  the  animal  can 
swallow  in  bronchitis  without  difficulty,  while  in 
laryngitis  it  cannot.  It  is  therefore  easily  distin- 
guished. After  the  first  few  days  the  cough  be- 
comes softer  and  the  sound  instead  of  being  rough 
is  soft  as  if  the  air  was  passing  through  bubbles 
of  mucous.  At  this  time  the  mucous  membrane, 
instead  of  being  dry  as  at  first,  is  now  pouring  out 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  83 

a  thin  mucous,  and  the  animal  coughs  up  a  con- 
siderable quantity  through  its  nose.  If  the  small 
tubes  have  been  affected,  the  outpourings  of  this 
mucous  sometimes  block  them  up,  and  the  animal 
dies  from  suffocation.  After  the  disease  has  gone 
on  for  six  or  eight  days,  the  animal  begins  to  im- 
prove. But  if  the  breathing  becomes  faster  and 
shorter,  and  the  pulse  fast  and  weak,  and  the  dis- 
charge from  the  nose  becomes  foul  smelling  and  of 
a  dirty  brick-red  color,  this  indicates  that  the  ani- 
mal will  die.  The  horse  stands  through  the  at- 
tacks. Cattle  usually  lie  on  their  breastbone. 
Treatment:  Place  the  animal  in  a  comfortable 
place  with  plenty  of  fresh  air,  but  out  of  draughts; 
clothe  the  body  and  if  the  legs  are  cold,  hand-rub 
and  bandage  them.  In  the  early  stage,  when  the 
cough  is  rough  and  hard,  give  two  drams  of  chlo- 
rate of  potassium  and  one  dram  of  the  fluid  extract 
of  belladonna,  in  half  a  pint  of  water,  three  times  a 
day.  If  the  pulse  is  full  and  soft,  give  fifteen  to 
twenty  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite  in  the  drinking 
water  every  three  or  four  hours  until  the  pulse  is 
slower  and  firmer.  Half  an  ounce  of  the  tincture 
of  squills  in  half  a  pint  of  water  given  twice  a  day 
is  sometimes  very  useful.  The  inhalations  of  vapor 
of  hot  water  with  a  piece  of  camphor  about  the 
size  of  a  walnut  will  relieve  the  irritation  of  the 
bronchial  tubes  very  much  and  should  be  used  sev- 
eral times  daily.  If  the  inflammation  is  extensive 
and  the  air  cells  involved  and  the  breathing  diffi- 
cult, the  application  of  mustard  to  the  sides,  or 
soap  liniment  rubbed  in  well  twice  a  day,  is  of  bene- 


84  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

fit.  I  do  not  think  strong  blisters  ought  to  be  used, 
as  they  cause  too  much  irritation.  I  have  seen  the 
fever  increase  rapidly  after  the  application  of  a 
cantharidian  blister  to  the  sides.  If  the  bowels 
are  confined,  injections  of  warm  water  will  usually 
relieve  them.  Purgatives  are  too  reducing  in  this 
disease.  When  the  acute  symptoms  have  subsided 
and  the  appetite  is  poor,  one  ounce  each  of  tinci  ore 
of  gentian,  tincture  of  ginger,  and  aromatie  spirits 
of  ammonia  in  half  a  pint  of  cold  water  given  three 
times  a  day  wTill  stimulate  the  appetite  and 
strengthen  the  animal.  As  convalescence  pro- 
ceeds and  the  appetite  improves,  give  one  dram  of 
sulphate  of  iron  and  half  a  dram  of  nux  voinic;  at 
a  dose,  twice  a  day,  in  bran  mash  or  ground  oats. 
During  all  stages  of  the  disease  give  half  ounce 
doses  of  nitrate  of  potass,  in  the  drinking  water 
twice  a  day.  This  keeps  the  kidneys  active  and 
cools  the  system.  The  animal  should  not  be  put 
to  work  for  twro  or  three  wreeks  after  convalescence. 

CONGESTION  OP  THE  LUNGS. 

Congestion  of  the  lungs  is  an  over-filling  of  the 
blood  vessels  with  blood,  often  causing  rupture  of 
the  small  ones,  allowing  the  blood  to  escape  into 
the  lung  substance'.  It  is  caused  by  over-exertion 
when  the  animal  is  not  used  to  fast  work.  No  ani- 
mal should  be  driven  fast  for  a  length  of  time 
without  first  having  been  trained,  and  even  then 
it  will  sometimes  take  place.  In  some  cases  there 
may  be  frothy  blood  coming  from  the  nostrils. 
The  pulse  is  small  and  indistinct,  although  the 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  85 

artery  feels  full  under  the  finger  and  may  be  beat- 
ing at  the  rate  of  eighty  to  one  hundred  per  minute, 
although  we  cannot  count  the  number  of  beats. 
The  veins  of  the  skin  stand  out,  especially  over  the 
head.  The  heart  is  beating  tumultuously  and  jerk- 
ing. On  applying  the  ear  to  the  side,  a  sharp,  fine 
cracking  sound  may  be  heard.  The  horse  in  this 
condition  makes  no  attempt  to  eat  or  drink.  Treat- 
ment :  Clothe  the  body  and  hand-rub  and  bandage 
the  legs  and  give  a  stimulant.  I  find  that  one 
ounce  of  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia  and  two 
ounces  of  spirits  of  nitric  ether  given  in  half  a  pint 
of  cold  water  and  repeated  in  half  an  hour  if  neces- 
sary, usually  gives  relief.  Half  a  pint  of  good 
whisky  in  a  pint  of  cold  water  and  repeated  in  one 
hour;  or  if  nothing  else  is  at  hand,  two  tablespoon- 
fuls  of  ground  ginger  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  hot 
water,  and  given  as  hot  as  it  will  bear,  is  useful. 
Allow  plenty  of  fresh  air,  but  keep  the  animal  as 
warm  as  possible. 

HAEMOPTYSIS  (BLEEDING  FROM  THE  LUNGS). 

Bleeding  from  the  lungs  occurs  from  acute  con- 
gestion of  the  lungs,  from  rupture  of  the  tissue  of 
the  lungs  or  a  blood  vessel,  or  it  may  be  caused 
from  tuberculosis  or  ulceration,  also  from  severe 
exertion.  Symptoms:  The  flow  of  blood  may  be 
only  slight  and  soon  stop  of  its  own  accord.  There 
is  usually  a  cough  caused  by  the  blood  in  the  bron- 
chial tubes.  The  blood  that  is  coughed  up  is  of  a 
bright  scarlet  color  and  frothy.  This  is  caused  by 
the  air  forming  air  bubbles;  sometimes  if  it  is  ex- 


86  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

cessive  it  will  cause  suffocation.  Treatment:  If 
it  is  only  in  small  quantities  it  will  likely  cease  by 
keeping  the  animal  quiet;  if  it  is  severe  pour  cold 
water  over  the  back  and  give  hypodermic  injec- 
tions of  tincture  ergot  of  rye  every  half  hour  until 
it  stops;  use  one  ounce  at  an  injection.  It  is  dan- 
gerous to  give  drenches  of  medicine  by  the  mouth 
in  case  of  causing  suffocation.  If  the  animal  can 
eat  give  sulphate  of  iron  in  two-dram  doses  three 
times  a  day  or  one  dram  of  acetate  of  lead  three 
times  a  day  for  two  days  if  needed.  Inhalations  of 
hot  water  and  turpentine  are  useful  when  it  is 
caused  by  ulcers  or  tuberculosis. 

PNEUMONIA. 

Pneumonia  is  an  inflammation  of  the  lung  sub- 
stance. Causes :  It  is  more  prevalent  during  spring 
and  autumn,  particularly  when  cold,  wet  winds 
prevail,  when  the  animal  is  shedding  its  coat  or 
when  it  is  weakened  from  other  diseases,  such  as 
congestion  of  the  lungs,  influenza,  distemper,  and 
sometimes  from  disease  of  the  digestive  organs; 
confined  in  badly  ventilated  stables  where  the  ani- 
mal has  to  breathe  foul  air.  This  is  a  very  com- 
mon cause  in  the  large  cities,  and  it  is  the  most 
difficult  to  treat.  Symptoms:  If  the  animal  is  no- 
ticed in  the  early  stage,  there  is  generally  a  chill 
which  may  cause  it  to  shiver;  the  animal  is  dull 
and  refuses  its  food.  The  pulse  is  full,  but  soft, 
and  in  some  cases,  not  easily  counted,  usually  from 
sixty  to  eighty  beats  per  minute.  The  temperat  are 
will  be  increased  to  one  hundred  and  three  and  one 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  87 

hundred  and  four  and  five.  There  is  a  dry  cough 
which,  in  some  cases,  is  very  troublesome.  The 
breathing  is  not  much  increased  at  first.  The  horse 
does  not  lie  down  until  it  is  convalescent,  and  this 
symptom  helps  us  greatly  in  forming  our  opinion 
as  to  the  nature  of  the  disease.  The  membrane 
lining  the  eyelids  and  nose  is  of  a  dirty  brick-red 
color,  and  the  bowels  are  usually  confined.  In  ap- 
plying the  ear  to  the  sides  the  sound  of  the  air  pass- 
ing will  be  rough  at  first,  gradually  getting  less  un- 
til very  little  sound  can  be  heard.  As  the  disease 
progresses  and  the  lungs  become  consolidated, 
there  will  be  no  air  sound  in  that  part.  They  will 
keep  in  this  stage  for  a  week,  then  there  is  usually 
a  change  either  for  the  better  or  worse.  If  the  ani- 
mal is  improving  it  will  look  brighter,  will  eat  a 
little,  and  move  around  more  in  the  stall,  prick  up 
its  ears  at  any  sound,  the  pulse  will  be  stronger 
and  more  distinct  and  less  frequent,  the  breathing 
will  also  be  more  natural  and  the  animal  may  lie 
down.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the  animal  is  getting 
worse  the  breathing  will  be  much  increased.  The 
horse  shows  distress  by  being  restless,  takes  no  no- 
tice of  sounds,  will  not  eat  ®r  drink,  the  pulse  is 
from  eighty  to  one  hundred  per  minute  and  small, 
there  will  be  a  discharge  from  the  nose  often  tinged 
with  blood  and  foul  smelling,  which  can  be  felt 
sometimes  before  you  reach  the  animal.  There  will 
be  more  or  less  heaving  at  the  flanks,  which  in- 
creases until  the  animal  dies.  Treatment :  In  the 
early  stages,  if  the  animal  is  fat  and  the  pulse  full, 
give  twenty  to  twenty-five  drops  of  tincture  aeon- 


88  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

ite  in  a  little  water  every  two  hours  until  the  pulse 
is  slower  and  weaker.  Also  give  nitrate  of  potas- 
sium in  half  ounce  doses  three  times  a  day  in  the 
drinking  water.  Blanket  the  animal  and  bandage 
the  legs  of  the  horse.  If  the  cough  is  troublesome 
give  one  dram  of  opium  made  into  a  ball  three 
times  a  day.  Cold  linseed  tea  is  very  useful  to  keep 
the  bowels  regular  as  well  as  an  article  of  food. 
It  may  be  necessary  to  give  an  occasional  injection 
of  warm  water  if  the  bowels  should  become  con- 
stipated, or  a  pint  of  linseed  oil.  Strong  purgatives 
should  not  be  used,  as  they  may  cause  too  much 
irritation  to  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  stom- 
ach and  bowels  and  so  cause  death.  When  the 
animal  becomes  convalescent  give  one  dram  of  sul- 
phate of  iron  and  thirty  grains  of  quinine  made 
into  a  ball  with  linseed  meal  or  bread  twice  daily 
for  two  or  three  weeks.  Do  not  put  the  animal  to 
work  until  fully  recovered,  and  then  it  should  be 
worked  light. 

HEAVES  (BROKEInT  WIND). 

Broken  wind,  or  heaves,  is  distinguished  by  diffi- 
cult breathing  accompanied  by  cough.  It  is  non- 
inflammatory and  varies  according  to  the  season 
of  the  year,  and  how  the  animal  is  fed,  and  what  it 
is  fed  on,  and  the  work  the  animal  has  to  do.  The 
difficulty  is  caused  by  a  nervous  contraction  of  the 
lung  tissue,  which  also  causes  the  cough.  The 
nerve  which  supplies  the  lung  passes  to  the  stom- 
ach and  the  heart  and  by  a  deranged  condition  of 
either  the  stomach  or  heart  will,  by  reflex  action, 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  89 

disturb  the  breathing,  and  we  find  this  the  case  in 
heaves.  I  have  made  a  number  of  post-mortem  ex- 
aminations and  failed  to  find,  either  by  the  naked 
eye  or  the  microscope,  anything  wrong  with  the 
lung,  although  the  animal  had  been  affected  with 
heaves  for  a  number  of  years.  There  are  horses 
whose  lungs  have  been  affected  with  inflammation 
and  a  part  becomes  consolidated  which  will  heave 
just  as  a  heaving  horse  would  do;  but  the  great 
majority  of  horses  affected  with  heaves  have  no 
apparent  disease  of  the  lungs,  therefore  the  ma- 
jority of  the  profession  find  and  believe  it  to  be 
a  deranged  state  of  the  digestive  organs.  Profes- 
sor Robertson  says:  "It  is  generally  admitted  to 
be  true  that  to  this  abnormal  condition  is  attached 
a  certain  amount  of  disposition  or  capability  of 
propagation  from  parent  to  progeny.  Not  that 
those  who  support  this  idea  suppose  that  the  exact 
paralysis  of  lung-tissue  is  received  as  an  inherit- 
ance from  parent,  but  rather  that,  born  with  a 
certain  bodily  conformation  or  temperament,  the 
animals  are,  under  the  same  conditions  and  sur- 
roundings, more  liable  to  become  sufferers  from 
this  particular  disordered  condition  than  others  not 
possessed  of  the  same  congenital  constitutions." 
Certain  breeds  of  horses  are  more  subject  to  heaves 
than  others.  Coarse-bred,  high-boned,  pot-bellied 
animals  are  more  frequently  affected  with  it  than 
the  fine,  round,  well-built  horse.  The  kind  of  food 
the  animal  is  fed  on  and  also  the  quantity  is  a 
cause  of  heaves.  Musty,  innutritious,  bulky,  dusty 
food,  with  a  full  allowance  of  water  and  put  to 


90  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

work,  is  a  very  common  cause  of  heaves.  Certain 
kinds  of  timothy  hay  seem  to  be  notorious  for  pro- 
ducing it.  Good,  clean  straw  and  clover  hay,  when 
it  is  fed  sparingly,  is  much  better  for  horses  than 
pure  timothy  hay.  If  heaving  horses  are  fed  largely 
on  oats  with  very  little  hay,  and  watered  before 
being  fed,  and  not  put  to  work  for  an  hour  at  least, 
they  will  do  a  fair  day's  work.  Gamgee  says  that 
heaves  follows  the  introduction  of  artificial  grasses. 
Symptoms:  When  fully  developed  it  is  easily  rec- 
ognized and  is  so  well  marked  that  it  cannot  be  niis- 
taken.  The  air  is  easily  drawn  in,  but  there  seems 
to  be  a  difficulty  in  expelling  it,  and  it  takes  a 
double  effort  to  do  it,  causing  the  animal  to  heave. 
In  the  early  stages  it  is  not  so  easy  to  detect  it. 
Cough  is  often  a  forerunner  of  it.  The  cough  is 
peculiar.  It  is  short  and  suppressed,  as  if  it  was 
averted  in  the  expulsion,  and  is  often  accompanied 
by  a  forcible  expulsion  of  gas  from  the  anus.  It 
seems  to  follow  the  slightest  exercise,  even  the  act 
of  drinking  will  bring  it  on.  It  is  more  trouble- 
some after  a  full  meal  and  a  liberal  allowance  of 
water.  Indigestion  and  an  unhealthy  appear- 
ance of  the  animal,  the  intestines  enlarge  and  the 
belly  drops  down.  The  appetite  may  not  be  im- 
paired, but  there  is  want  of  assimilation  and  the 
animal  does  not  get  the  good  of  the  food  it  con- 
sumes, therefore  heavy  horses  are  usually  weak, 
and  when  put  to  hard  work  very  soon  give  out.  A 
confirmed  broken-winded  horse  is  only  fit  for  slow, 
light  work.  Treatment:  Feed  so  as  not  to  over- 
load the  stomach;  allow  a  little  hay  to  be  eaten 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  91 

first,  then  water  and  then  the  oats.  Never  feed 
more  than  twelve  to  fourteen  pounds  of  hay  per 
day  and  fifteen  pounds  of  oats.  Boiled  flaxseed 
mixed  with  a  little  bran  at  night  will  keep  the  bow- 
els regular,  besides  being  very  nutritious.  Sul- 
phate of  iron,  four  ounces;  nitrate  of  potass.,  four 
ounces;  nux  vomica,  two  ounces,  divided  into 
twenty-four  doses,  and  one  given  every  night  in 
bran  mash,  is  very  useful.  After  this  quantity  has 
been  given,  skip  two  or  three  weeks,  and  repeat. 
One  ounce  of  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  given 
every  night  in  small  bran  mash,  when  the  animal 
is  at  work  in  the  spring,  is  very  good  and  often  en- 
ables an  animal  to  do  a  good  cfay's  work,  which  it 
could  not  do  but  for  the  arsenic.  This  can  be  con- 
tinued for  a  month  or  six  weeks  without  any  dan- 
ger to  the  animal,  then  stop  for  a  few  weeks  or  as 
long  as  the  animal  can  do  without  it,  and  when  the 
breathing  becomes  difficult,  resume  again  and  so 
on.  I  have  treated  horses  in  this  way  and  they 
would  do  their  work  with  ease  for  years. 

PLEURISY. 

Pleurisy  is  an  inflammation  of  the  serous  mem- 
brane lining  the  cavity  of  the  chest  and  covering 
the  lungs.  This  disease  is  caused  by  injuries  to  the 
walls  of  the  chest,  or  from  exposure  to  cold  when 
the  animal  has  been  heated.  I  have  seen  a  num- 
ber of  cases  following  clipping  late  in  the  fall  or 
too  early  in  the  spring.  It  is  often  connected  with 
pneumonia  and  disease  of  the  heart.  It  sometimes 
takes  place  without  any  apparent  cause  and  is 


92  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

probably  the  result  of  some  morbid  state  of  the 
blood.  It  may  affect  only  one  side  or  both.  Symp- 
toms: It  is  usually  ushered  in  by  slight  or  severe 
chill,  followed  by  fever,  quick  and  painful  breath- 
ing, interrupted  by  a  short  cough,  almost  continu- 
ous. The  animal  is  restless  and  if  made  to  move 
will  evince  pain  and  stiffness,  which  may  be  taken 
for  founder.  The  difference  can  be  easily  detected 
by  the  pulse,  which  in  pleurisy  is  small  and  hard, 
while  in  founder  it  is  full  and  soft.  On  backing  the 
horse,  if  it  is  pleurisy  it  will  lift  its  fore  feet  al- 
though it  may  give  it  pain;  if  founder,  it  will  not 
lift  its  fore  feet  from  the  ground,  and  if  forced  will 
drag  its  feet,  and  arch  its  back,  have  its  hind  feet 
forward  under  its  belly.  The  expulsion  of  the 
breath  is  principally  done  by  the  muscles  of  the 
abdomen,  and  the  ribs  kept  as  fixed  as  possible. 
There  is  a  depression  or  line  running  along  the 
cartilage  of  the  false  ribs.  This  is  well  marked, 
even  in  the  early  stages  of  the  disease.  The  ani- 
mal will  look  around  at  its  side  or  sides,  and  show 
signs  of  colic,  but  will  rarely  lie  down.  If  made  to 
move  suddenly  will  grunt.  On  applying  the  ear  to 
the  sides  you  will  hear  a  grating  sound  every  time 
the  animal  breathes.  This  is  caused  by  the  dry, 
inflamed  surfaces  rubbing  together.  After  a  few 
days,  friction  sound  passes  away,  and  we  either 
hear  no  sound  or  we  may  be  able  to  hear  the  sound 
of  fluid.  At  this  time,  if  the  pulse  becomes  small 
and  fast  and  the  breathing  is  more  heaving,  there 
is  danger  of  effusion  taking  place.  At  this  time,  if 
effusion  has  taken  place,  on  applying  the  ear  to  the 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  93 

chest  or  root  of  the  neck  you  will  hear  a  splashing 
sound  every  time  the  animal  breathes.  On  the 
other  hand,  if  the  pulse  becomes  slower  the  breath- 
ing more  natural  and  the  animal  moves  about  with 
more  ease,  the  appetite  returns,  and  the  animal 
lies  down  quiet,  it  is  a  sure  sign  of  recovery.  Treat- 
ment: In  all  cases  of  pleurisy  no  matter  how 
slight  it  is,  the  animal  should  be  placed  in  a  com- 
fortable, loose  box,  with  plenty  of  fresh  air,  the 
body  well  clothed  and  the  legs  hand-rubbed  and 
bandaged.  Some  recommend  to  bleed  the  animal 
until  the  pulse  becomes  soft.  My  experience  is 
that  in  the  majority  of  cases  it  is  better  not  to 
bleed.  The  fever  can  be  reduced  by  giving  tincture 
of  aconite  in  doses  from  fifteen  to  twenty-five  drops 
every  two  hours,  and  nitrate  of  potassium  in  half 
ounce  doses  three  times  daily  in  the  drinking 
water.  As  soon  as  the  pulse  is  reduced  in  strength 
and  frequency,  stop  the  aconite,  but  continue  the 
potassium.  If  the  pain  is  severe  opium  in  dram 
doses  should  be  given  three  times  a  day  in  a  little 
gruel  or  a  ball.  As  well  as  relieving  the  pain  it 
will  reduce  the  cough.  Hot  fomentation  to  the 
chest  or  blankets  wrung  out  of  boiling  water  and 
changed  every  half  hour  and  hot  linseed  meal  poul- 
tices are  good.  If  this  cannot  be  done  rub  in  well 
compound  soap  liniment  and  cover  up  with  hot 
blankets.  If  the  pain  continues  after  giving  the 
above  treatment,  apply  a  blister  of  cantharides, 
two  drams;  lard,  one  ounce  and  one-half.  Repeat 
on  the  second  day  if  needed.  After  the  acute  stage 
is  passed,  which  will  usually  take  place  about  the 


94  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

fourth  day,  we  fmd  the  animal  requires  stimula- 
tion and  the  best  is  one  ounce  tincture  of  ginger, 
gentian,  and  chloride  of  iron,  given  at  one  dose, 
in  a  pint  of  water,  two  or  three  times  a  day.  Con- 
tinue the  potassium,  as  it  will  keep  the  kidneys  ac- 
tive, which  is  particularly  necessary  in  pleurisy. 
If  the  animal  improves,  continue  this  treatment; 
but  if  effusion  is  taking  place  it  will  be  necessary 
to  give,  besides  the  above,  one  dram  of  iodide  of 
potassium  once  daily  in  the  drinking  water.  Give 
good  food  and  improve  the  appetite  by  giving  one 
dram  sulphate  of  quinine  with  fifteen  or  twenty 
drops  of  nitric  acid  in  a  quart  of  gruel.  If  liquid 
has  formed  in  the  chest  as  the  result  of  the  disease, 
give  five  grains  powdered  cantharides,  and  digi- 
talis twenty  to  thirty  grains,  twice  a  day.  Con- 
tinue the  tincture  of  ginger,  gentian  and  chloride 
of  iron.  Repeat  the  blister  to  the  chest  if  the  skin 
is  not  broken  by  the  previous  one.  If  the  fluid 
still  keeps  accumulating  it  will  be  necessary  to  tap 
the  animal.  This  is  done  by  cutting  the  skin  be- 
tween the  eighth  and  ninth  rib  and  pushing  a  small 
trocar  and  canula  into  the  cavity,  then  draw  out 
the  trocar,  leaving  the  canula  in  and  the  fluid  will 
run  out.  After  the  fluid  has  been  removed  it  will 
be  useful  to  give  the  horse  half  a  pint  of  good 
whisky  as  a  stimulant.  It  is  not  necessary  to  re- 
move all  the  fluid — as  this  cannot  be  easily  done. 
The  opening  made  into  the  chest  should  not  be  too 
low,  about  midway  between  the  superior  surface 
of  the  fluid  and  the  bottom  of  the  chest.  This  oper- 
ation will  often  have  to  be  repeated  as  the  fluid 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  95 

will  have  a  tendency  to  accumulate  again  in  two 
or  three  days.  If  the  animal  has  not  sufficient 
strength,  I  find  the  operation  is  of  little  use;  but  if 
the  animal  is  strong  it  will  often  save  its  life. 

Chronic  Cough.— What  is  chronic  cough? 
When  an  animal  coughs  beyond  the  limited  period 
usually  assigned  to  a  cold,  it  is  called  chronic 
cough.  There  are  several  causes  of  cough  in  the 
horse;  first,  from  a  thickening  of  the  membrane 
of  the  throat  caused  from  distemper  or  colds;  sec- 
ond, it  may  be  the  forerunner  of  heaves;  third,  it 
may  be  caused  from  some  lung  trouble  or  a  nervous 
irritation  of  the  throat.  If  possible,  find  out  the 
part  affected;  if  it  is  caused  by  a  thickening  of  the 
membrane,  nothing  can  be  done  for  it;  if  it  is  the 
commencement  of  heaves,  the  treatment  for  that 
disease  may  relieve  it  for  a  time;  if  it  is  caused 
by  an  irritation  of  the  throat,  such  medicines  as 
opium  and  belladonna  may  be  tried.  There  is  no 
sure  cure  for  chronic  cough. 

Goitre  (Enlarged  Thyroid  Glands).— This  dis- 
ease consists  of  enlargement  of  the  glands  of  the 
throat  just  behind  the  angles  of  the  lower  jaw, 
and  is  a  common  disorder  in  horses  and  cattle  in 
districts  where  there  is  an  abundance  of  lime  in 
the  soil,  and  usually  the  drinking  water  is  impreg- 
nated with  it.  This  is  said  to  be  the  cause,  and  al- 
though it  is  much  more  prevalent  in  limestone  dis- 
tricts it  is  frequently  seen  in  all  parts  of  the  coun- 
try and  in  animals  that  are  kept  in  close,  badly 
ventilated  stables,  and  in  some  cases  it  follows 
sore  throat. 


96  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

Symptoms:  A  swelling  is  noticed  on  each  side 
pf  the  throat  where  the  throat  latch  of  the  bridle 
comes.  In  some  cases  it  grows  very  rapidly,  in 
others  it  is  of  slow  growth.  In  pressing  on  the 
gland  it  moves  easily  under  the  skin,  although  it 
feels  hard.  When  it  grows  large  it  sometimes  in- 
terferes with  the  animal's  wind  and  is  unsightly. 

Treatment:  It  is  usually  reduced  by  using  the 
following:  Biniodide  of  mercury,  one  dram;  lard, 
one  and  a  half  ounces;  mix  and  rub  on  a  little 
every  second  week ;  also  give  one  dram  of  iodide  of 
potassium  twice  a  day  in  a  bran  mash  and  con- 
tinue it  for  three  or  four  weeks. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  97 


CHAPTER  VI. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  ORGANS  OF  CIRCULATION. 

The  heart  of  the  horse  and  ox  is  situated  in  the 
center  of  the  chest,  with  the  apex  inclining  to  the 
left  side.  Therefore,  when  the  horse  and  ox  are 
in  a  healthy  state  you  cannot  hear  or  see  the  mo- 
tion of  the  heart  from  the  outside,  but  on  severe 
exertion  it  can  be  both  seen  and  felt.  If  in  the 
horse  or  ox,  while  standing  quiet  or  after  moder- 
ate work,  you  can  hear  the  beating  of  the  heart,  it 
will  indicate  that  there  is  some  derangement  of 
this  organ,  and  the  horse  will  be  considered  un- 
sound. 

Palpitation  of  the  Heart. — Is  usually  caused  by 
a  deranged  condition  of  the  nerves  supplying  the 
heart;  and  as  these  nerves  are  connected  with  the 
nerves  of  the  stomach,  it  often  happens  when  the 
stomach  is  affected  by  disease  that  it  may  cause 
palpitation. 

Causes:  In  the  horse,  fast  driving,  if  long  con- 
tinued, especially  if  the  animal  is  not  used  to  it; 
blood  diseases  or  impure  blood  from  reducing  dis- 
eases; influenza,  or  other  epizootic  affections.  In 
cattle,  it  is  often  the  result  of  dyspepsia  and  nerv- 
ous diseases. 

Symptoms:  The  principal  symptoms  are  power- 
ful and  jerky  action  of  the  heart,  frequent  and 


98  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

small  pulse,  anxiety,  and  often  loss  of  appetite.  In 
some  cases  the  jerking  is  so  violent  as  to  shake  the 
whole  body  of  the  animal,  and  to  be  heard  at  a  con- 
siderable distance,  and  may  be  mistaken  for 
spasms  of  the  diaphragm.  If  the  heart  is  the  organ 
affected,  the  jerk  and  %sound  will  take  place 
with  each  beat  of  the  pulse.  Palpitation  of  the 
heart  from  disease  of  the  heart  itself  will  usually 
be  irregular  or  intermitting,  which  is  the  most  dan- 
gerous. There  may  be  an  intermitting  beat  of  the 
heart  without  palpitation,  caused  from  valvular 
disease  of  the  heart.  In  some  severe  cases  of  pal- 
pitation the  animal  may  show  signs  of  faintness 
and  suffocation,  on  the  least  exertion. 

Treatment:  In  all  cases  of  heart  disease  the 
animal  should  be  kept  as  quiet  as  possible,  and 
given  two  ounces  of  tincture  of  opium  and  two 
ounces  of  tincture  of  digitalis  at  a  dose  in  half  a 
pint  of  water,  and  half  the  dose  repeated  in  two 
hours  if  the  animal  is  not  relieved.  If  it  is  caused 
from  a  deranged  state  of  the  blood,  it  may  be  neces- 
sary to  give  a  dose  of  physic  and  dram  doses  of  sul- 
phate of  iron  twice  daily,  or  ounce  doses  of  hypo- 
sulphate  of  soda  and  whisky  in  half-pint  doses 
three  times  daily.  If  the  pulse  should  be  strong, 
sometimes  benefit  is  obtained  by  giving  from  twen- 
ty to  twenty-five  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite  in  a 
little  water  every  two  hours  until  an  alteration  of 
the  pulse  takes  place. 

Pericarditis. — Pericarditis  is  an  inflammation  of 
the  membrane  investing  the  heart. 

Causes:     Inflammation  of  the  investing  mem- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  99 

brane  containing  the  heart  is  caused  by  injuries, 
such  as  sharp  bodies  passing  from  the  stomach  to 
the  heart.  This  is  a  common  occurrence  to  cows  in 
cities  from  eating  slops  from  the  kitchen;  expos- 
ure to  colds,  and  fatigue;  certain  general  diseases 
of  the  blood,  such  as  rheumatism,  strangles,  influ- 
enza, and  from  the  extension  of  inflammation  of 
the  pleura  and  lungs. 

Symptoms :  The  symptoms  of  this  form  of  heart 
disease  are  obscure.  The  animal  will  show  signs 
of  pain  if  made  to  move ;  the  pulse  is  fast  and  small, 
but  hard  as  if  you  were  pressing  your  finger  on  a 
piece  of  wire;  the  breathing  may  or  may  not  be 
increased;  the  animal  shows  stiffness  in  moving; 
and  on  applying  the  ear  over  the  region  of  the  heart 
on  the  left  side  we  may  in  some  cases  hear  a  rasp- 
ing sound  at  each  beat  of  the  heart;  but  this  can- 
not be  depended  upon,  except  in  some  cases.  There 
will  be  fever,  loss  of  appetite,  etc.  In  the  majority 
of  cases  all  that  can  be  done  is  to  treat  the  symp- 
toms. In  the  early  stages,  when  the  pulse  is  hard 
and  fast,  and  the  animal  in  good  flesh,  give  from 
twenty  to  twenty-five  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite 
in  a  little  water  every  two  hours  until  the  pulse 
becomes  softer;  also  give  half  an  ounce  nitrate  of 
potassium  in  drinking  water  three  times  a  day;  and 
if  the  bowels  are  constipated,  give  from  one  and 
one-half  pints  to  a  quart  of  raw  linseed  oil.  If  the 
animal  is  in  much  pain,  give  one  dram  of  powdered 
opium  in  a  ball  or  in  gruel  three  times  daily.  Some- 
times there  is  benefit  obtained  by  applying  a  blis- 
ter to  the  left  side.     As  the  disease  progresses  the 


100  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

pulse  becomes  weak,  and  the  breathing  short  and 
quick,  and  the  legs  and  ears  are  cold;  and  in  cattle 
the  membrane  of  the  nose  is  dry  and  cold,  there  is 
general  stiffness,  and  in  the  horse  swellings  appear 
on  the  legs  and  under  the  belly.  In  cattle  gener- 
ally under  the  belly  and  in  the  dewlap.  The  horse 
generally  stands  through  the  disease,  but  cattle 
will  lie  down  on  their  right  side.  The  animal 
moans  and  grinds  its  teeth,  and  looks  around  every 
now  and  then  toward  its  left  side.  When  effusion 
takes  place  in  the  cavity  you  can,  on  applying  the 
ear  to  the  left  side,  hear  a  splash  at  each  beat  of 
the  heart.  After  death  I  have  found  a  large  quan- 
tity of  liquid  around  the  heart,  and  in  some  cases 
a  regular  covering  of  cheesy  pus  between  the  heart 
and  the  sack.  In  several  cases  of  cows,  which  have 
died  from  this  disease,  I  have  found  a  piece  of  darn- 
ing needle,  which  had  made  its  way  from  the  stom- 
ach to  the  heart,  setting  up  inflammation,  causing 
death.  It  is  strange  how  many  cases  of  this  kind 
are  reported  to  have  taken  place  in  cows. 

Endocarditis. — Inflammation  of  the  inner  lining 
of  the  heart,  and  is  usually  complicated  with  rheu- 
matic disease.  This  is  a  very  dangerous  disease, 
and  if  it  does  not  kill  in  the  acute  stage  it  is  very 
likely  to  leave  thickening  of  the  valves  of  the  heart, 
which  will  interfere  with  the  passage  of  the  blood 
through  the  heart,  preventing  the  animal  from 
doing  fast  or  heavy  work. 

Symptoms:  There  is  a  very  decided  interference 
with  the  action  of  the  heart;  the  beat  is  very  irreg- 
ular and  violent  in  its  action,  compared  with  the 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  101 

smallness  of  the  pulse  beat  in  the  artery  of  the  jaw. 
There  is  a  high  fever;  the  breathing  is  not  much  al- 
tered in  the  first  stage  of  the  disease.  On  applying 
the  ear  to  the  left  side  or  root  of  the  neck  you  will 
hear  a  loud  metallic  sound  at  each  heart  beat,  and 
there  will  be  a  marked  venous  pulse  caused  by  the 
action  of  the  disease  on  the  valves  of  the  heart.  If 
the  inflammation  is  not  checked,  the  inner  lining 
swells,  narrowing  the  opening  with  which  the 
valves  are  connected,  so  that  only  a  small  quantity 
of  blood  will  pass  through,  suffocation,  with  quick, 
short  breathing  and  great  distress;  and  if  not  re- 
lieved, the  animal  soon  dies. 

Treatment:  I  give  a  dose  of  aloes,  and  follow 
this  by  giving  half-ounce  doses  of  nitrate  of  potass, 
and  chlorate  of  potassium.  Also  give  tincture  of 
aconite,  twenty  to  thirty  drops,  combined  with  the 
same  quantity  of  fluid  extract  of  digitalis  three  or 
four  times  a  day  in  a  pint  of  water.  Mustard  poul- 
tices should  be  applied  to  the  left  side,  and  blank- 
ets be  put  on,  and  the  legs  hand-rubbed  and  ban- 
daged. 

Dilatation  of  the  Heart. — I  have  seen  several 
well-marked  cases,  and  they  all  presented  the  same 
symptoms,  namely,  inability  to  work;  as  long  as 
the  animal  was  allowed  to  keep  quiet,  it  seemed  as 
if  nothing  was  wrong  with  it;  but  as  soon  as  it  was 
driven  fast  or  made  to  pull  a  load  or  plow,  it  wTould 
breathe  fast  and  show  signs  of  suffocation,  and  if 
forced  to  move  on  would  fal]  over,  and  lie  on  its 
side  with  its*  mouth  open.  After  a  few  minutes  the 
animal  would  recover  its  breath  and  rise  in  an  ex- 


102  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

hausted  state;  but  very  soon  it  would  seem  as  if 
nothing-  had  happened  to  it.  Some  of  the  cases 
were  not  quite  so  severe  as  the  above;  they  could 
do  a  fair  amount  of  slow  work  and  light  loads. 
One  day  I  was  called  to  see  a  fine  black  horse,  the 
property  of  a  brewer.  The  driver  complained  that 
if  the  load  was  heavy  or  if  the  horse  was  driven 
fast,  it  would  stop,  breathe  fast,  and  seemed  as  if 
it  would  choke.  I  examined  the  horse,  and  found 
it  was  suffering  from  dilatation  of  the  heart,  and 
informed  the  owner  of  the  fact,  and  said  if  the 
horse  was  made  to  pull  a  heavy  load  or  be  driven 
fast  it  would  likely  drop  and  die.  The  horse  ac- 
cordingly was  put  to  slow,  light  work,  until  one  day 
it  had  to  take  the  place  of  another  horse,  and  on  go- 
ing up  a  hill,  when  about  half  way  up,  it  wanted  to 
stop,  but  the  driver  whipped  it  on,  as  he  did  not 
want  to  stop  on  the  middle  of  the  hill,  and  before 
he  reached  the  top  the  animal  fell  suffocated  and 
died.  I  made  an  examination  and  found  the  left 
side  of  the  heart  was  greatly  dilated.  This  dis- 
ease may  sometimes  be  mistaken  for  lung  trouble. 
In  dilatation  there  is  no  cough,  and  when  the  ani- 
mal is  quiet  it  seems  all  right;  but  if  the  pulse  is 
examined  it  will  be  feeble,  irregular,  marked  ven- 
ous pulse,  especially  when  the  animal  is  moved. 
The  legs  are  usually  cold,  and  there  may  be  a  tend- 
ency to  stock.  As  the  disease  advances  the  ani- 
mal begins  to  lose  flesh  and  the  system  generally 
becomes  deranged;  and  if  the  animal  is  not  used 
for  work,  it  will  gradually  get  worse,  swell  under 
the  belly  and  legs,  and  after  a  time  die;  but  usually 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  103 

the  animal  dies  suddenly  from  over-exertion. 
Treatment  is  of  no  service. 

Hypertrophy  of  the  heart  is  an  increase  in  its 
size,  the  walls  becoming  very  thick.  There  are 
three  forms  of  this  trouble.  First,  when  the  walls 
are  thickened  and  the  cavities  retain  their  capa- 
city; second,  when  the  cavity  becomes  enlarged; 
third,  when  the  walls  thicken  and  diminish  the  size 
of  the  cavity.  Leblanc  says  the  origin  of  this  dis- 
ease depends  on  a  chronic  form  of  inflammation  in 
its  walls. 

Symptoms:  The  impulse  of  the  heart  is  much 
stronger  than  natural,  and  can  be  felt  lower  down ; 
the  sound  is  louder  and  metallic.  In  some  cases 
that  I  have  seen  the  impulse  of  the  heart  could  be 
seen  on  the  right  side  as  well  as  the  left.  On  look- 
ing at  a  horse's  sides  affected  with  hypertrophy, 
you  can  see  the  motion,  and  sometimes  it  can  be 
heard  at  a  little  distance.  There  is  no  cure  for  it, 
and  the  animal  may  do  slow,  light  work  for  a  few 
years. 

Rupture  of  the  heart  sometimes  occurs  in  the 
horse  from  over-exertion  arid  shocks;  such  as  strik- 
ing against  some  solid  body,  the  result  of  falls. 
Sometimes  a  horse  may  drop  on  the  race-course 
from  rupture  of  the  heart.  Sudden  fright  will  cause 
it.  I  remember  one  case  of  rupture  in  a  young 
mare  from  being  forced  up  to  a  locomotive.  The 
animal  began  to  tremble  violently  and  dropped 
dead  in  a  few  minutes.  A  post-mortem  revealed 
rupture  of  the  left  ventricle  of  the  heart.  I  men- 
tion this,  as  I  do  not  think  it  wise  to  force  a  horse 


104  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

up  to  anything  it  is  very  much  afraid  of.  There 
are  a  number  of  other  diseases  of  the  heart  which 
are  not  well  marked ;  and  it  is  only  after  death  that 
we  discover  the  true  nature  of  the  disease.  In  some 
forms  of  heart  disease  an  animal  may  do  a  fair 
amount  of  work  and  keep  in  good  condition  and 
still  die  from  heart  trouble;  but  the  majority  be- 
come unfit  for  hard  work,  and  show  some  of  the 
general  signs  of  heart  disease,  which  are:  Difficult 
breathing  on  exertion,  irregular  beating  of  the 
heart,  cold  extremities,  loss  of  flesh,  and  toward  the 
end  swelling  of  the  legs  and  belly.  The  appetite 
usually  remains  good  until  near  the  end. 

Injuries  to  the  Arteries. — An  accident  of  this 
kind  to  the  horse  or  cattle  is  rare;  but  it  does  hap- 
pen that  an  artery  is  cut  or  otherwise  injured,  and 
it  is  necessary  to  know  how  to  remedy  it.  The  walls 
of  arteries  are  elastic,  and  when  cut  completely 
across  will  contract  or  be  drawn  into  the  tissue, 
and  in  this  way  arrest  bleeding;  but  if  the  artery  is 
pricked  or  only  partially  cut  by  contraction  of  its 
elastic  walls  it  will  keep  the  cut  open.  When  blood 
is  exposed  to  the  air  it  clots  and  plugs  up  the 
mouth  of  the  artery;  but  if  the  artery  is  of  any 
size,  the  force  of  the  blood  through  it  will  force  out 
any  clot  that  may  form.  In  this  case  the  bleeding 
can  only  be  stopped  by  pressure  or  by  ligature.  If 
the  wound  is  deep  and  the  artery  cannot  be  easily 
found,  plug  it  with  cotton  batting  dipped  in  linseed 
oil  eight  parts,  carbolic  acid  one  part.  Let  this 
remain  in  for  twenty-four  hours,  then  withdraw  it. 
Usually  after  the  bleeding  has  been  stopped  for 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  105 

twenty-four  hours  the  vessel  is  closed.  When  an 
artery  is  lacerated  or  torn  it  seldom  bleeds  much, 
as  the  torn  coats  are  of  unequal  length,  usually  con- 
tracting inward,  and  consequently  there  is  very  lit- 
tle hemorrhage.  Bleeding  from  an  artery  is  known 
by  the  jerking  stream  of  bright  red  blood  which  is 
pushed  from  the  wound  with  considerable  force. 
As  the  animal  loses  considerable  blood  and  is  be- 
coming weak  the  jerking  is  more  perceptible. 

Treatment:    Cold  and  hot  water  have  both  been 
recommended.     The  cold  causes  contraction,  but 
prevents  coagulation.     Heat  causes  coagulation, 
but  prevents  contraction.     I  find  in  the  majority  of 
cases  cold  water  is  the  most  useful  to  stop  bleeding 
from  small  vessels.     In  tying  an  artery  it  requires 
to  be  taken  up  with  a  pair  of  artery  forceps  and  a 
silk  thread  tied  firmly.    In  most  cases  both  ends  of 
the  vessel  require  to  be  tied.     Tie  the  end  next  the 
heart  first,  and  if  there  is  no  bleeding  from  the 
other  it  need  not  be  tied.  Pressure  at  some  distance 
or  on  the  wound  will  be  of  service  in  some  cases. 
Thus  about  the  coronet,  where  there  are  a  number 
of  vessels,  it  is  difficult  to  tie  them  all;  and  I  find 
the  best  means  of  stopping  the  blood  is  to  put  on  a 
pad,  then  a  tight  bandage;  and  if  this  does  not  stop 
it,  take  a  small  piece  of  rope,  tie  a  knot  on  it,  put 
the  knot  on  the  top  of  the  pad,  bring  the  ends  of  the 
rope  around  the  pastern  and  tie  it  tight;    this 
brings  the  pressure  right  on  the  spot.    In  two  hours 
slacken  the  rope  a  little,  but  do  not  take  it  off,  in 
case  of  starting  bleeding  again.    In  twenty-four 
hours  the  rope  should  be  taken  off,  but  the  pad 


106  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

should  remain  on  for  three  days;  then  it  can  be  re- 
moved and  the  wound  dressed. 

Aneurism  is  a  tumor  formed  by  coagulated  ar- 
terial blood  within  a  dilated  artery,  or  between  the 
several  coats  of  such  a  vessel,  or  externally  to  it. 
Aneurisms  may  form  in  any  of  the  arteries,  but 
the  superficial  ones  are  usually  found  in  the  neck 
and  legs.  They  are  soft  tumors,  which  appear  in 
the  course  of  the  artery  and  pulsate  at  the  same 
time  as  the  heart  beats.  On  applying  the  ear  to 
the-  tumor  a  peculiar  sound  will  be  heard  resem- 
bling hissing.  If  it  is  considered  advisable  to  treat 
it,  it  is  best  done-by  dissecting  out  the  tumor  and 
applying  a  ligature  to  the  artery  above  and  below. 
Then  cut  off  the  tumor,  but  if  it  is  not  interfering 
with  the  animaPs  usefulness,  it  is  best  to  let  it 
alone. 

Venous  Hemorrhage. — An  animal  can  lose  much 
more  blood  from  a  vein  without  any  danger  to  its 
life  than  from  an  artery,  as  the  blood  runs  more 
slowly,  and  it  has  given  up  its  nourishment  to  the 
tissues  before  it  reaches  the  vein.  The  hemorrhage 
from  a  vein  should  be  stopped  by  pressure  or  by  pin- 
ning up  the  wound,  as  it  is  a  bad  and  dangerous 
practice  to  tie  a  large  vein,  as  they  are  made  up 
from  the  union  of  a  number  of  small  veins,  and  if 
the  trunk  vein  is  tied,  the  small  ones  have  no  place 
to  empty  themselves,  and  the  result  would  be  stag- 
nation of  the  vessels  covering  a  large  surface.  Not 
so  with  the  arteries.  The  blood  is  flowing  from  the 
large  vessel  to  the  small  ones;  and  if  the  large  one 
is  tied,  the  collaterals  will  become  enlarged,  and 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  107 

thereby  carry  on  the  circulation.  Unless  in  cases 
of  great  emergency  it  should  never  be  done. 

Phlebitis  (Inflammation  of  a  Vein) — It  is  seldom 
that  we  see  a  case  of  this  disease  nowadays,  as 
there  are  so  few  horses  bled;  but  it  may  take  place 
without  any  apparent  cause.  Usually  it  is  caused 
by  an  injury.  A  vein  may  be  injured  and  a  little 
blood  from  it  may  get  into  its  sheath  or  the  sur- 
rounding tissues  and  set  up  inflammation  of  the 
vein  and  the  tissue  around  it. 

Treatment :  Bathe  the  part  with  cold  water  and 
apply  acetate  of  lead,  one  ounce;  tincture  of  ar- 
nica, two  ounces;  water,  one  quart.  Use  this  free- 
ly and  often.  If  the  inflammation  does  not  seem 
to  be  easily  removed,  put  on  a  blister  of  canthar- 
ides,  two  drams ;  lard,  one  ounce ;  repeat  in  a  week 
if  necessary.  Give  nitrate  of  potassium  in  half- 
ounce  doses,  three  times  a  day  for  a  few  days,  to 
keep  down  fever.  If  the  bowels  are  constipated, 
give  a  dose  of  aloes.  Varicose  veins  are  sometimes 
seen  about  the  legs  of  horses;  and  it  is  seldom  they 
do  any  harm ;  but  if  they  are  developing,  even  pres- 
sure may  be  applied  by  means  of  pads  and  band- 
ages, and  a  stringent  lotion  made  of  tannin,  one 
ounce;  water,  one  quart.  Apply  while  using  the 
bandage.  If  the  walls  become  thin  and  the  vessel 
bursts,  keep  the  animal  quiet  and  apply  the  tinc- 
ture of  iron  and  bandage  as  above. 

Purpura  Hemorrhagica  is  an  exudation  of 
blood  through  the  walls  of  the  blood  vessels,  the 
result  of  debilitating  disease,  such  as  strangles,  in- 
fluenza, etc.    It  may  be  caused  from  a  deranged 


108  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

condition  of  the  blood  vessels  and  other  tissues  of 
the  body  by  animals  kept  in  badly  ventilated  sta- 
bles; also  from  innutritious  food. 

Symptoms  of  the  disease  arc  swelling  of  various 
parts  of  the  body,  more  particularly  about  the  head 
and  face ;  they  pit  on  pressure  by  the  finger.  In  the 
course  of  a  few  days  a  bloody  water  exudes  from 
the  membrane  of  the  nose  and  eyes.  Very  soon 
after  it  will  be  seen  to  ooze  from  the  swollen  parts. 
In  some  cases  sloughing  may  take  place.  The  pulse 
is  very  weak  and  fast,  eighty  to  one  hundred;  the 
temperature  never  reaches  a  high  point.  The  urine 
is  scanty  and  high  colored.  If  the  intestines  should 
be  affected  there  will  be  diarrhoea  mixed  with 
blood  and  the  animal  may  be  affected  with  colicky 
pains.  The  lungs,  liver  and  brain  may  become  in- 
volved, and  the  animal  soon  dies.  If  the  case  is  of 
mild  form  and  properly  treated  it  may  recover. 

Treatment:  Give  one  ounce  each  of  tincture  of 
gentian,  ginger,  iron,  and  spirits  of  nitric  ether  at 
a  dose  in  a  pint  of  water  twice  a  day ;  and  give  at 
noon  one  dram  of  nitro-hydrochloric  acid  in  a  pint 
of  water.  I  find  this  the  most  successful  treatment. 
Half-ounce  doses  of  nitrate  of  potassium  once  daily 
in  the  drinking  water  will  be  useful  to  act  on  the 
kidneys.  External  applications  are  of  no  value  in 
this  disease. 

DISEASES   OF   THE    LYMPHATICS. 

The  lymphatic  system  is  composed  of  a  set  of 
vessels,  quite  as  numerous  as  the  veins,  and  they 
ramify  through  every  portion  of  the  body  where 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  109 

blood  vessels  are  found.  These  lymphatic  vessels 
sooner  or  later  pass  into  lymphatic  glands,  which 
are  very  numerous  in  the  fore  legs  and  under  and 
between  the  lower  jaws  and  other  parts  of  the 
body.  The  use  of  these  vessels  is  to  collect  sur- 
plus fluid  which  exudes  through  the  blood  vessels, 
as  well  as  waste  products,  and  convey  them  into 
the  circulation.  The  use  of  the  glands  through 
which  these  vessels  pass  is  to  purify  in  some  way 
this  fluid  before  it  reaches  the  blood  vessels. 
When  the  system  gets  overcharged  with  these  ma- 
terials, the  lymphatics  become  distended,  and  in 
some  cases  inflamed. 

Inflammation  of  the  lymphatics  is  called  Lym- 
phangitis. This  disease  can  be  caused  by  several 
conditions.  First:  Horses  with  a  sluggish  circu- 
lation are  predisposed  to  this  disease,  animals  that 
are  over-fed  and  have  not  sufficient  exercise  or  ani- 
mals that  are  half -starved  and  over- worked,  sudden 
exposure  to  cold  and  wet.  A  common  cause  of  this 
disease  is  feeding  a  horse  that  is  idle  or  that  has 
very  little  work  and  too  much  nutritive  food;  the 
system  soon  gets  blocked  up,  and  if  the  animal  does 
not  take  an  attack  of  lymphangitis  it  will  suffer  in 
some  other  form.  When  a  horse  is  to  be  idle  for  a 
time  its  allowance  of  food  should  be  cut  down,  and 
if  the  animal  should  become  reduced,  then  increase 
it  a  little,  but  a  horse  allowed  to  stand  eating  all 
day  and  night  is  almost  sure  to  suffer  some  ill  ef- 
fects. On  the  other  hand,  when  a  horse  is  over- 
worked and  under-fed,  the  whole  system  becomes 
weak  and  the  lymphatics  are  not  able  to  do  their 


110  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

work,  and  swelling  of  the  legs  takes  place.  It  is 
also  the  result  of  disease,  especially  distemper  and 
influenza,  which  have  a  tendency  to  affect  the 
glands. 

Symptoms:  It  usually  begins  with  a  chill  and  a 
rise  in  the  temperature,  very  soon  followed  by 
lameness.  Often  a  horse  may  seem  all  right  at 
night,  and  in  the  morning  one  or  both  hind  legs 
will  be  so  sore  and  stiff  that  the  animal  will  not 
move.  If  only  one  hind  leg  is  affected,  he  will  hold 
it  up,  and  if  made  to  move  it  will  not  put  it  to 
the  ground,  but  hop  off  on  three  legs,  which  often 
gives  the  animal  the  appearance  as  if  its  leg  was 
broken.  The  animal  will  be  breathing  fast  and 
heavy,  and  if  made  to  move  may  groan  with  pain ; 
and  I  have  seen  some  cases  where  if  you  rubbed  your 
hand  up  the  inside  of  the  leg  the  animal  would  lift 
it  so  high  as  to  over-balance  and  sometimes  fall. 
The  glands  on  the  inside  of  the  thigh  will  be  hard 
and  feel  like  a  rope  under  the  fingers,  and  hot  and 
tender;  this  will  at  once  let  you  know  the  nature 
of  the  disease.  In  the  course  of  a  few  hours  the  leg 
will  begin  to  swell  from  the  foot,  caused  by  a  fill- 
ing up  of  the  lymphatic  vessels,  and  as  they  be- 
come distended  they,  too,  will  become  inflamed  and 
hot.  In  some  cases  the  leg  will  swell  to  an  enormous 
size,  and  it  may  be  that  the  skin  may  crack  or 
a  thin  fluid  may  ooze  out.  There  is  considerable 
fever  and  a  full  pulse,  from  sixty  to  seventy,  and 
the  animal  will  not  eat,  but  may  drink  consider- 
able; and  if  it  should  lie  down,  it  will  be  unable 
to  rise  until  turned  over  on  the  well  side.  A  horse 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  Ill 

affected  with  this  trouble  seldom  lies  down.  Usu- 
ally the  urine  is  scanty  and  the  bowels  constipat- 
ed. If  the  inflammation  is  not  relieved  in  a  day 
or  two  the  glands  may  undergo  suppuration,  and 
blood  poisoning  may  take  place,  and  the  animal 
may  die,  or  the  leg  may  remain  thick  from  oblitera- 
tion of  the  lymphatics,  This  is  a  disease  that  is 
easily  treated  if  taken  in  time. 

Treatment:  Find  the  cause  and  then  treat  ac- 
cordingly. If  it  is  caused  by  the  animal's  having 
too  much  food  and  not  enough  exercise,  give  aloes 
one  ounce,  carbonate  of  soda  one  ounce,  ginger  one 
ounce;  dissolve  in  half  a  pint  of  boiling  water,  add 
half  a  pint  of  cold  water,  and  give  at  one  dose. 
Also  give  twenty  to  thirty  drops  of  tincture  of  acon- 
ite every  two  hours  until  the  pulse  becomes  slower. 
Also  give  half  an  ounce  of  nitrate  of  potass,  in  the 
drinking  water  three  times  a  day,  bathe  the  legs 
with  hot  water  for  an  hour  at  a  time,  then  apply 
acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce,  tincture  of  opium 
two  ounces,  water  one  quart.  Rub  in  with  the 
hand.  Do  this  every  hour,  and  keep  the  animal  in 
a  comfortable  place.  Usually  in  twenty-four  hours 
the  physic  has  operated  and  the  potassium  has  in- 
creased the  secretion  of  urine,  and  the  hot  water 
and  lotion  have  reduced  the  inflammation,  and  the 
animal  can  move  about  with  ease.  Give  gentle 
exercise  two  or  three  times  a  day  for  twenty  min- 
utes at  a  time.  In  cases  where  it  is  caused  by  over- 
working and  poor  food,  or  from  reducing  diseases, 
such  as  influenza  and  distemper,  treatment  should 
be  of  a  stimulating  and  tonic  nature.  Give  one  ounce 


112  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

each  of  tincture  chloride  of  iron,  tincture  of  gen- 
tian and  ginger  at  a  dose  iu  a  pint  of  water  three 
times  a  day.  (Jive  good  hay  and  oats,  and  apply 
the  above  lotion  to  the  swollen  legs.  In  cases,  as 
it  sometimes  happens,  that  matter  forms  iu  the 
glands  of  the  thigh,  wash  with  warm  water,  and 
use  acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce,  sulphate  of  zinc 
half  an  ounce,  carbolic  acid  half  an  ounce,  water 
one  quart;  apply  a  little  twice  a  day.  If  the  parts 
should  become  fungied,  apply  a  little  terchloride 
of  antimony  with  a  feather  once  or  twice.  In  two 
days  use  the  lotion  again.  It  sometimes  happens 
that  the  leg  from  the  hock  to  the  foot  remains 
thick,  caused  either  from  weakness  of  the  lymphat- 
ics or  from  their  being  destroyed  by  the  inflam- 
mation. In  this  case  it  is  difficult  to  remove  the 
chronic  swelling.  Try  arsenic  in  the  form  of  Fow- 
ler's solution  in  one  ounce  doses  once  a  day  in  bran 
mash,  and  continue  it  for  a  month.  Also  rub  on  the 
leg  twice  a  week  Iodine  two  drams,  vaseline  two 
ounces.  I  have  seen  some  cases  yield  to  this  treat- 
ment. Grease,  which  is  sometimes  the  result  of 
this  disease,  will  be  described  under  the  head  of 
skin  diseases. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  113 


CHAPTER    VII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

A  short  description  of  the  kidneys  is  necessary 
so  that  we  may  have  a  better  idea  of  the  causes  and 
nature  of  their  diseases.  The  kidneys  are  two  glan- 
dular organs  situated  in  the  lumbar  region  of  the 
back.  They  are  composed  of  a  number  of  tubes 
and  tufts,  around  which  the  blood  vessels  run.  The 
supply  of  blood  to  the  kidneys  is  very  large  for  the 
size  of  these  organs.  The  tubes  begin  very  small 
at  the  surface  of  the  kidney  and  are  very  numer- 
ous; they  soon  join  each  other,  becoming  larger, 
and  finally  terminate  in  a  part  of  the  kidney 
termed  the  pelvis.  At  the  lower  border  from  this 
place  there  is  a  small  duct  which  leads  to  the  blad- 
der, through  which  the  urine  passes.  The  use  of 
the  kidneys  is  to  secrete  the  water  and  effete  mat- 
ters in  the  form  of  urine  and  uric  acid,  which  would 
soon  poison  the  body  if  it  remained  there.  The 
blood  vessels  ramify  around  the  tubes,  and  the 
epithelium  of  the  tubes  secrete  the  urine  from  the 
blood,  and  if  we  consider  the  quantity  of  urine 
which  is  secreted  daily,  we  need  not  wonder  at  the 
size  of  the  blood  vessels  which  go  to  and  from  the 
kidneys.  If  from  want  of  action,  from  disease,  or 
otherwise  the  kidneys  did  not  secrete  this  material 


114  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

from  the  blood,  the  animal  would  soon  suffer  from 
a  form  of  blood  poisoning  called  uremic.  The 
quantity  of  urine  secreted  varies  very  much  in  the 
same  animal.  The  weather  has  a  great  deal  to  do 
with  the  amount  secreted.  Animals  pass  more 
urine  in  winter  than  in  summer,  as  heat  increases 
the  quantity  removed  by  the  skin  and  lessens  the 
amount  passed  by  the  kidneys.  Work  lessens  it,  as 
more  passes  off  by  the  skin.  The  food  the  animals 
eat  alters  very  much  the  quality  and  quantity.  If 
animals  such  as  the  horse  are  fed  on  straw,  the1 
urine  is  usually  of  a  whitish  color,  if  on  timothy 
hay  or  clover  hay  usually  dark.  Thick,  creamy  urine 
is  the  result  of  a  sluggish  condition  of  the  kidneys, 
while  coffee  colored  and  scanty  urine  is  the  result 
of  fever  and  a  partial  congestive  state  of  the  secre- 
tive organs  in  different  parts  of  the  body.  An  in- 
crease in  the  quantity  and  of  a  clear  or  light  yellow 
color  denotes  either  over-stimulation  or  it  is  seen 
in  cold  weather,  and  on  account  of  it  not  being 
irritant  the  time  between  voiding  it  has  been  pro- 
longed. On  the  other  hand,  if  it  is  passed  in  quan- 
tities and  often,  and  the  animal  is  very  thirsty,  it 
is  a  symptom  of  a  disease  which  will  be  described 
hereafter.  As  long  as  an  animal  is  in  good  condi- 
tion and  spirits  and  has  a  good  appetite  no  notice 
need  be  taken  of  the  urine.  Diseases  of  the  urinary 
organs  are  very  rare  in  animals,  but  as  they  do 
happen  sometimes  I  will  describe  a  few  of  them. 

Nephritis  (Inflammation  of  the  Kidneys). — In- 
flammation of  the  kidneys  is  caused  from  exposure 
to  cold  when  the  animal  is  heated,  kicks,  and  other 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  115 

injuries;  also  from  too  strong  diuretic  medicines, 
such  as  resin,  saltpetre,  and  cantharides,  and  some- 
times from  the  animal  eating  too  astringent  vege- 
tables and  weeds. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  stands  with  its  hind 
legs  wide  apart,  is  stiff,  and  the  back  somewhat 
arched,  and  if  the  animal  is  made  to  move  will 
groan,  has  very  little  inclination  to  lie  down,  and  if 
it  does  it  is  with  great  care  and  does  not  roll;  but 
it  is  very  seldom  that  it  tries  to  lie  down,  as  it 
causes  too  much  pain.  The  animal  may  show 
symptoms;  of  colic  pains  by  looking  around  at  its 
flanks.  The  secretions  of  urine  are  scanty  and  high 
colored,  and  the  animal  is  constantly  passing  it  in 
small  quantities,  or  it  may  be  only  in  drops.  On 
account  of  it  irritating  the  bladder  it  is  passed  as 
soon  as  it  reaches  it.  Sometimes  after  the  disease 
has  existed  for  a  few  days  blood  and  pus  may  be 
passed.  The  pulse  is  fast,  from  eighty  to  ninety, 
the  mouth  is  hot  and  clammy,  the  bowels  consti- 
pated, the  thirst  great,  the  breathing  fast  and 
short,  and  as  the  disease  advances  it  becomes  very 
foul  smelling.  The  sweat/ which  will  appear  on 
different  parts  of  the  body  has  a  strong  odor  of 
urine.  If  the  animal  is  not  soon  released  uremic 
poisoning  takes  place,  causing  exhaustion  and 
sometimes  coma.  The  animal  falls,  struggles  for 
awhile,  and  dies.  It  will  assist  us  to  make  an  ex- 
ploration of  the  bladder  through  the  rectum.  If  it 
is  the  kidneys  that  are  at  fault,  the  bladder  will  be 
found  empty,  and  by  gentle  pressure  upwards  and 
forwards  from  the  bladder  the  kidnevs  can  be  felt 


116  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

and  the  slightest  pressure  will  cause  extreme  pain 
to  the  animal.  Pressure  on  the  outside  of  the  back 
is  no  sign,  as  some  animals  will  flinch  at  the  slight- 
est rubbing  or  pressure,  while  others  will  take  no 
notice  of  it.  Examination  will  disclose  kidney 
casts  and  sometimes  matter. 

Treatment:  Put  the  animal  in  a  comfortable 
place  and  allow  all  the  cold  water  it  can  drink, 
with  two  drams  of  chlorate  of  potassium  in  it, 
three  or  four  times  daily.  Three-ounce  doses  liquor 
acetate  of  ammonia  given  several  times  a  day,  in- 
jections of  soap  and  water  to  clean  out  the  bowels, 
and  a  hot  sheepskin  put  over  the  loins  and  kept 
there  by  blankets  are  useful.  If  the  fever  and  tem- 
perature run  high  give  two  drams  of  antifebrin 
every  three  hours  until  sweating  takes  place  and 
the  fever  is  reduced.  After  the  third  day  if  the 
urine  is  very  scanty  and  the  breath  foul  smelling, 
small  doses  one  to  two  ounces  of  sweet  spirits  of 
nitre  should  be  given  in  water  and  poultices  of 
digitalis  powder  applied  over  the  loins  and  kept 
there  until  the  secretions  are  increased.  One- 
ounce  doses  of  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron  given 
three  times  a  day  in  a  little  water  is  of  service. 

Hematuria  (Blood  with  the  Urine). — This  dis- 
ease affects  both  horses  and  cattle.  It  appears  in 
two  forms,  idiopathic  and  traumatic.  Traumatic 
hematuria  is  caused  by  strains  or  injuries.  A  well- 
marked  case  of  this  kind  came  to  me  for  treatment. 
The  horse  was  drawing  a  load  of  stones  on  a  tram- 
car,  and  on  going  down  an  incline  the  brakes  of  the 
car  broke,  and  the  car  and  load  went  forward  on 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  117 

the  horse,  knocking  it  down  and  bruising  it  very 
much  over  the  loins.  The  horse  was  gotten  up 
with  difficulty  and  walked  very  stiff.  Shortly  after 
it  was  noticed  to  be  passing  blood  with  its  urine, 
and  passed  blood  without  urine.  On  the  following 
morning  the  animal  was  in  a  high  fever,  and  pass- 
ing considerable  blood.  I  ordered  cold  water  to 
the  loins,  and  gave  one  dram  acetate  of  lead,  one 
dram  powdered  opium,  and  ten  drops  Fleming's 
tincture  of  aconite  at  a  dose  every  three  hours, 
until  four  doses  were  given.  The  bleeding  ceased 
and  the  animal  seemed  better.  It  was  kept  quiet 
and  got  boiled  flaxseed  mixed  in  bran  mash,  and 
in  two  weeks  was  able  to  resume  its  work.  There 
are  slighter  cases  of  hematuria,  in  which  the  horse 
is  stiff,  and  when  made  to  move  is  sore  over  the 
loins,  and  there  may  be  fever  and  loss  of  power  of 
the  hind  legs  and  the  passing  of  a  little  blood, 
which  clots  on  the  floor  as  the  urine  separates  from 
it.  The  following  prescription  will  be  found  of 
service:  Acetate  of  lead  thirty  grains,  acetate  of 
zinc  thirty  grains,  catechu  two  drams.  Mix  and 
give  at  one  dose  in  a  ball  or  gruel.  Repeat  three 
times  a  day  until  checked.  Give  the  animal  plenty 
of  cold  water  to  drink  and  keep  it  as  quiet  as  pos- 
sible. In  some  cases  a  horse  that  has  had  its  kid- 
neys injured  is  very  liable  to  pass  blood  if  it  is 
put  to  fast  work  or  drawing  heavy  loads,  and  is 
unsound. 

Idiopathic  Hematuria  is  a  disease  observed  un- 
der a  great  variety  of  circumstances.  It  occurs 
among  horses,  cattle  and  sheep,  as  an  enzootic  dis- 


118  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

ease,  and  it  is  remarkable  that  there  are  districts 
where  the  disease  prevails  among  horses.  There 
are  others  where  it  prevails  among  cattle  of  all 
kinds,  male  and  female,  and  there  are  still  others 
when  it  affects  only  cows  after  parturition. 
(Gam  gee.) 

Symptoms :  There  is  a  copious  discharge  of  dark 
or  red-colored  urine  and  it  does  not  separate  into 
clots  on  the  floor,  the  blood  having  been  broken  up 
in  the  system  before  being  passed.  The  animal 
moves  stiff  and  is  weak  on  its  hind  legs.  The  pulse 
is  fast,  from  seventy  to  eighty,  and  there  is  a  loss  of 
appetite.  As  the  disease  advances  the  animal  be- 
comes weaker,  the  breathing  difficult,  and  with  a 
few  convulsive  struggles  it  dies. 

Treatment  consists  of  giving  the  horse  one  ounce 
aloes  and  one  ounce  ginger  dissolved  in  hot  water. 
Follow  this  by  giving  one  ounce  tincture  of  chloride 
of  iron,  one  ounce  tincture  of  ginger,  and  one  ounce 
tincture  of  gentian  at  a  dose  three  times  a  day  in  a 
half  pint  of  water.  Boiled  flaxseed  mixed  with 
bran  is  useful  if  the  animmi  will  take  it.  Give  plen- 
ty of  cold  water,  and  allow  the  animal  anything  it 
will  eat.  The  same  treatment  is  good  for  cattle; 
but  give  Epsom  salts  instead  of  aloes  to  cattle  and 
sheep — one  and  one-half  pounds  for  cattle  and 
one-quarter  pound  for  sheep  at  a  dose. 

Polyuria  (Diuresis  Polyuria  Diabetes  Insipi- 
dus).— This  disease  is  characterized  by  frequent 
and  abundant  discharge  of  urine.  The  cause  of  this 
disease  is  not  well  understood,  but  it  usually  fol- 
lows wet  seasons,  when  the  hay,  straw  and  oats 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  119 

have  been  exposed  to  rains  and  are  more  or  less 
musty.  Musty  hay,  straw  or  grains  of  any  kind, 
if  fed  to  animals,  are  very  apt  to  set  up  some  dis- 
order, either  of  the  stomach  or  kidneys.  The  symp- 
toms of  the  disease  are  intense  thirst;  passing  great 
quantities  of  water  of  a  clear  color,  as  there  is  very 
little  salts  or  coloring  matter  in  it ;  the  appetite  is 
depraved,  the  animal  will  lick  the  plaster  off  the 
wall,  or  eat  earth  or  dirt;  the  animal  becomes  rap- 
idly emaciated,  and  will  soon  die  from  exhaustion 
if  the  disease  is  not  stopped. 

Treatment:  Iodine  is  a  specific  in  this  disease; 
it  is  given  in  dram  doses.  First  dissolve  in  a  little 
alcohol,  then  add  one-half  pint  of  water  or  give  it 
in  a  ball.  Give  it  three  times  a  day.  Usually  two 
or  three  doses  will  stop  it.  Follow  this  up  by  giv- 
ing one  dram  sulphate  of  iron  in  the  morning  and  a 
teaspoonful  of  phosphate  of  calcium  in  the  even- 
ing in  bran  mash.     Continue  this  for  three  weeks. 

Ischuria  (Suppression  of  Urine). — When  there  is 
a  stoppage  or  very  scanty  passage  of  urine  it  will 
be  necessary  to  find  the  cause  of  the  stoppage, 
whether  it  is  the  kidneys  which  are  not  secreting 
urine,  or  if  it  is  a  stopping  up  of  the  passages. 
Clean  out  the  rectum,  then  oil  the  hand  and  pass 
it  into  the  rectum  and  feel  for  the  bladder,  which 
will  be  felt  below  the  bowel  about  eight  or  ten 
inches  in  from  the  entrance.  If  the  bladder  is  full 
it  can  be  easily  felt.  If  it  is  empty,  you  cannot  feel 
it.  If  it  is  empty,  the  kidneys  are  at  fault.  It  is 
then  termed  ischuria.  Suppression  is  caused  by 
over-stimulation  of  the  kidneys  or  feeding  innu- 


120  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

tritious  food.  Nephritis  is  especially  due  to  an 
overdose  of  cantharides.  In  fevers  also  the  urine 
often  becomes  scanty  and  acid.  It  is  then  irritat- 
ing, and  is  passed  off  in  drops  or  small  quantities. 
If  there  is  true  suppression  of  urine,  symptoms  of 
blood  poisoning  will  occur,  as  the  elements  of  the 
urine  are  retained  in  the  blood.  We  also  find  slug- 
gishness of  the  kidneys  in  old  horses,  especially  if 
overworked.  The  urine  passed  may  be  either  of  a 
red-brown  color  or  of  a  thick,  milky  appearance. 

Treatment:  If  it  is  caused  from  fevers,  give  ni- 
trate of  potassium  in  half-ounce  doses  three  times 
a  day  in  the  drinking  water.  If  it  is  causing  much 
irritation  of  the  bladder  and  other  passages,  give 
two  ounces  spirits  of  nitric  ether  and  one  ounce 
buchu  tincture.  Mix  and  give  in  half  a  pint  of 
cold  water  three  times  a  day.  If  in  old,  worn-out 
horses,  give  sulphate  of  iron,  two  ounces;  nitrate 
of  potass.,  two  ounces;  powdered  digitalis,  one 
ounce;  mix  and  divide  into  twelve  doses,  one  to  be 
given  twice  a  day  in  bran  mash.  In  all  cases  feed 
good  hay  and  oats.  Atrophy  and  hypertrophy  of 
kidneys  are  occasionally  found  in  both  horses  and 
cattle.  It  is  often  found  that  when  one  kidney  is 
affected  with  atrophy  the  other  most  likely  will 
become  hypertrophied  and  it  will  be  found  twice 
its  natural  size.  Atrophy  of  the  kidneys  is  often 
found  in  the  pig,  and  it  is  mentioned  by  Gamgee 
that  one  kidney  has  been  absent,  and  its  fibrous 
capsule  alone  remaining,  distended  by  a  yellow 
fluid  of  a  strong  urinous  odor,  whereas  its  fellow 
was  very  much  enlarged  and  the  animals  were  in 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  121 

good  health.  Hypertrophy  is  a  common  disease 
in  cattle  and  is  met  with  in  some  of  the  finest  and 
fattest  oxen.  Cases  are  recorded  in  which  the 
kidneys  have  weighed  twenty-four  to  twenty-seven 
pounds.  When  they  attain  this  condition  the  ani- 
mal becomes  unhealthy  and  loses  flesh  and  soon 
dies.  There  are  no  well-marked  symptoms  by 
which  atrophy  and  hypertrophy  can  be  detected 
until  after  death. 

Worms  in  Kidneys. — This  is  said  to  be  a  disease 
of  the  hog;  but  worms  have  been  found  in  the  kid- 
neys of  the  dog.  I  remember  a  case  of  a  dog  used 
for  dissection,  which  was  in  perfect  health,  and  in 
one  of  its  kidneys  I  found  three  worms  about  one 
inch  in  length  and  the  color  of  the  kidney.  They 
were  alive.  They  are  frequently  found  in  the  kid- 
ney and  liver  of  pigs  which  are  in  good  health  and 
condition,  and  I  do  not  know  of  any  case  in  which 
they  destroyed  any  animal.  The  disease  which  is 
called  kidney-worm  in  the  hog  is  a  deranged  condi- 
tion of  the  nerves  of  the  back  and  loins,  causing 
them  to  lose  the  use  of  their  hind  parts.  If  they 
were  affected  by  t^ie  worms  the  symptoms  would 
be  those  of  kidney  ^disease  and  not  of  paralysis. 

Cystitis  (Inflammation  of  the  Bladder). — This  is 
a  very  rare  disease  in  the  domestic  animals,  and 
when  it  is  present  it  is  usually  caused  by  giving 
the  animal  too  strong  diuretics,  such  as  canthar- 
ides;  injuries,  irritating  urine,  and  sometimes  from 
inflammation  of  the  surrounding  parts.  Inflam- 
mation may  involve  the  whole  of  the  organ  or  only 
part.     The  neck  is  the  part  usually  affected. 


122  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

Symptoms:  There  is  retention  of  urine,  as  the 
bladder  does  not  contract,  and  therefore  the  water 
is  not  expelled.  The  animal  suffers  pain  and  is  in 
great  distress,  is  stiff  in  its  movements,  pokes  its 
nose  between  its  legs,  and  showTs  symptoms  of  colic, 
but  seldom  lies  down.  There  is  a  loss  of  appetite, 
the  mouth  is  dry  and  red,  and  there  is  fever;  pulse 
from  eighty  to  a  hundred  in  the  ox,  and  from  sev- 
enty to  eighty  in  the  horse.  The  urine  may  be 
passed  in  small  quantities  and  will  be  thick  and 
high  colored.  At  first  the  animal  is  much  excited, 
and  if  not  soon  relieved  great  prostration  super- 
venes. Cold  sweats  bedew  the  body;  there  is 
trembling  of  the  muscles,  paralysis  of  the  hind 
legs,  and  the  animal  dies. 

Treatment:  Clean  out  the  rectum,  then  oil  the 
hand  and  feel  for  the  bladder;  the  animal  evinces 
pain  wThen  the  part  is  pressed  upon,  and  the  blad- 
der is  hot,  and  in  some  cases  distended  with  urine. 
In  this  case  the  first  thing  to  do  is  to  pass  the  ca- 
theter to  remove  the  urine ;  this  will  give  the  ani- 
mal great  relief.  Give  a  dose  of  raw  linseed  oil, 
from  a  pint  to  a  quart,  according  to  the  size  of  the 
animal.  Give  the  animal  all  the  water  it  will 
drink;  half  an  ounce  of  gum  arabic  dissolved  in 
the  pail  of  water  is  very  useful.  Use  hot  fomenta- 
tions to  the  back  part  of  the  abdomen.  If  there  is 
much  fever  give  twenty  to  twenty-five  drops  of  tinc- 
ture of  aconite  every  two  hours  in  a  little  cold 
water.  If  there  is  great  suffering  give  powdered 
opium  in  dram  doses  every  three  hours  until  re- 
lieved.    Also  inject  through  the  catheter  infusion 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  121 

<>*  opium  three  or  four  times  a  day.     Keep  the  ani- 
mal warm  and  as  comfortable  as  possible 

Retention  of  Urine. — The  causes  are  numerous. 
Hertwig  mentions,  first,  inflammation  of  the  neck 
of  the  bladder  or  of  the  urethra;  second,  paralysis 
of  bladder  or  spasms  of  its  neck;  third,  stones  in 
the  bladder  or  a  polypus  in  the  neck  of  the  bladder; 
fourth,  stones  in  the  urinary  passage;  fifth,  con- 
traction of  the  passage;  sixth,  obstructions,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  opening,  and  in  some  few  cases  from 
an  accumulation  of  mucous  in  the  passage.  I  re- 
member haying  a  well-marked  case  of  this  kind  in 
an  old  horse  which  was  troubled  with  albuminous 
urine:  one  morning  the  animal  was  in  great  dis- 
tress, stretching  out  and  making  ineffectual  at- 
tempts to  pass  urine,  showing  signs  of  colic,  lying 
down  carefully,  getting  up  again,  and  in  a  contin- 
uous state  of  unrest.  I  was  called  to  see  the  ani- 
mal, and  in  looking  it  over  I  discovered  a  lump  on 
the  urethra  a  little  below  the  root  of  the  tail,  and 
on  feeling  it,  it  was  soft;  I  pressed  it  up  and  down 
for  a  few  minutes,  when  it  finally  gave  away,  and 
the  next  minute  the  animal  passed  off  a  large  quan- 
tity of  urine  and  was  at  once  relieved.  The  gen- 
eral symptoms  of  this  trouble  are:  The  animal 
makes  ineffectual  attempts  to  pass  urine  and 
shows  signs  of  pain,  kicks  with  its  hind  feet,  lies 
down  very  carefully,  but  soon  gets  up  again.  The 
method  of  findiug  the  true  nature  of  the  disease 
is  to  examine  the  track  of  the  passage  to  see  if 
there  is  any  external  obstruction;  if  none  is  found, 
then  clean  out  the  rectum  and  introduce  your  hand, 


124  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

well  oiled;  if  there  is  retention,  the  bladder  will 
be  easily  felt  greatly  distended,  and  sometimes 
gentle  pressure  of  the  hand  will  cause  the  urine 
to  pass  out  and  relieve  the  animal.  If  this  cannot 
be  done,  then  it  will  be  necessary  to  pass  up  the 
catheter  until  you  come  to  the  obstruction.  The 
obstruction  is  sometimes  found  to  be  caused  by  the 
deposit  of  a  putty-like  substance,  which  can  easily 
be  removed  by  breaking  down  with  the  finger.  If 
this  substance  should  remain  in  long  it  would 
harden  into  stone,  and  in  some  cases  it  does  this 
and  the  urine  passes  through  an  opening  in  its  cen- 
ter or  on  one  side,  and  by  degrees  it  closes  the  pas- 
sage. I  have  met  with  several  cases  of  this  kind. 
They  can  usually  be  removed  by  a  pair  of  forceps 
or  may  be  pressed  out.  If  this  cannot  be  done, 
make  an  incision  at  one  side,  then  it  can  be  re- 
moved by  the  finger.  If  the  obstruction  is  found 
further  up  the  passage  and  cannot  be  broken  down 
by  the  catheter  it  will  be  necessary  to  cut  down 
upon  it  with  the  knife  and  remove  it,  then  pass 
through  the  edges  of  the  wound  a  small  pin  on 
which  is  tied  a  small  piece  of  string  in  the  form 
of  a  figure  eight;  this  will  close  the  wound.  Let 
the  pin  remain  in  until  it  sloughs  out.  If  the  ca- 
theter reaches  the  neck  of  the  bladder  and  stops 
there,  do  not  press  too  hard,  but  give  a  little  time  for 
the  part  to  dilate;  if  this  does  not  take  place  in  a 
few  minutes,  withdraw  the  catheter  and  smear  the 
end  of  it  with  a  little  extract  of  belladonna  and 
press  it  up  to  the  neck  and  allow  a  little  time  for 
it  to  take  effect.     If  you  do  not  succeed  in  this  way, 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  125 

give  the  animal  one  ounce  of  chloroform  in  half  a 
pint  of  raw  linseed  oil.  Introduce  the  catheter 
with  a  little  more  belladonna  on  it.  Also  inject 
large  quantities  of  hot  water  into  the  rectum,  and 
after  an  hour's  time  the  neck  will  usually  relax  and 
the  catheter  will  pass  in,  or  the  urine  may  flow  out. 
If  it  does  not  relax,  it  will  then  be  necessary  to  use 
considerable  pressure  on  the  catheter.  Never  give 
horses  medicine  to  act  on  the  kidneys  when  there 
is  retention  of  urine  before  you  make  an  exam- 
ination and  find  the  cause,  as  great  injury  may  be 
done  by  causing  an  increase  of  urine  into  an  over- 
distended  bladder.  In  the  ox  the  catheter  cannot 
be  passed  as  in  the  horse.  The  course  of  the  ure- 
thra must  be  traced  and  an  incision  made  into  it 
about  four  inches  down  from  the  root  of  the  tail, 
then  pass  the  catheter  through  the  incision  in  the 
bladder  and  the  urine  will  flow  out.  The  wound 
should  be  closed  by  pins  or  stitches,  as  before  men- 
tioned. 

Paralysis  of  the  Bladder. — Paralysis  of  the  blad- 
der is  a  cause  of  retention,  and  is  best  treated  by 
giving  the  animal  nux  vomica,  two  ounces;  sul- 
phate of  iron,  four  ounces;  divide  into  twenty-four 
doses  and  give  the  animal  one  twice  daily  in  its 
food,  meantime  removing  the  urine  by  the  cathe- 
ter. The  result  of  over-distention  of  the  bladder 
is  paralysis  of  its  walls  or  rupture.  The  first  may 
be  cured  by  giving  the  above  medicine,  the  latter 
is  always  fatal.  I  have  seen  only  one  case  of  rup- 
ture. 

Enuresis. — Incontinence  of  urine  consists  of  a 


126  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

dribbling  of  urine,  usually  caused  by  a  relaxed 
state  of  the  neck  of  the  bladder  and  sometimes 
from  irritability  of  the  bladder,  as  in  certain  dis- 
orders of  its  lining  membrane  or  from  calculi,  and 
when  the  urine  is  very  scanty  and  acid. 

Treatment:  Find  the  cause.  If  it  is  caused  by 
relaxation,  give  the  animal  one  dram  of  the  fluid 
extract  of  nux  vomica  three  times  a  day;  also  one 
ounce  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron;  these  can  be 
given  together  in  a  pint  of  gruel  or  linseed  tea.  If 
it  is  from  calculi,  it  will  have  to  be  removed;  if 
from  irritation,  inject  a  solution  of  gum  arabic  in 
which  half  an  ounce  of  tincture  of  opium  has  been 
mixed.  If  from  too  scanty  or  acid  urine,  give  ni- 
trate of  potass,  in  one-half  ounce  doses,  mixed  with 
half  an  ounce  buchu  extract,  three  times  daily  in 
a  pint  of  water.  Incontinence  of  urine  is  some- 
times seen  in  foals  from  nonclosure  of  the  urachus, 
a  tube  which  leads  from  the  base  of  the  bladder 
to  the  navel  cord,  and  the  urine  is  seen  to  drop  or 
run  from  it.  The  best  remedy  for  this  is  to  plaster 
plenty  of  prepared  chalk  on  the  navel  as  often  as 
necessary.  This  will  dry  up  the  cord  and  cause  it 
to  contract  and  by  degrees  stop  the  passage  of 
urine  in  that  direction.  It  is  bad  practice  to  tie 
the  cord  to  stop  it,  as  it  is  almost  sure  to  set  up 
inflammation  and  kill  the  colt. 

Inversion  of  the  bladder  is  seen  in  the 
female  animal,  and  is  due  to  violent  strain- 
ing, although  it  has  been  seen  to  follow  the 
administration  of  irritant  medicine.  The  symp- 
toms   are  a   red    tumor    projecting    from    the 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  127 

vulva,  and  having  the  urine  constantly  dropping 
from  it.  If  it  is  not  put  back  in  its  place,  the  urine 
will  excoriate  the  parts  and  they  will  swell  to  such 
a  degree  that  replacing  is  impossible,  and  it  will 
be  better  to  destroy  the  animal.  Before  replacing 
it  bathe  it  for  twenty  minutes  with  acetate  of  lead 
two  drams,  tincture  of  opium  one  ounce,  water  one 
pint.  Then  press  gently  on  its  center  with  the  fin- 
gers and  it  will  return  easily.  The  animal  should 
get  two  drams  of  powdered  opium  in  a  pint  of  gruel 
and  should  be  watched,  as  it  is  liable  to  be  pressed 
out  again. 

Calculi. — There  is  a  tendency  in  some  animals, 
from  a  condition  of  the  urine,  to  deposit  solid  ma- 
terial in  some  part  of  the  urinary  organs.  This 
tendency  cannot  be  accounted  for.  I  have  seen 
a  number  of  horses  and  cattle  kept  on  the  same 
farm,  getting  the  same  food,  water  and  care;  one  of 
the  lot  becomes  affected  with  a  deposit,  while  the 
rest  remain  exempt.  We  have  no  means,  therefore, 
of  preventing  it.  It  is  said  by  some  to  be  caused  by 
clover  hay  and  water  that  contains  too  much  lime, 
but  in  my  practice  I  have  not  seen  any  more  cases 
in  those  fed  largely  on  clover  or  in  those  whose 
drinking  water  was  largely  impregnated  with  lime. 
So  we  will  have  to  put  it  down  to  a  peculiar  condi- 
tion of  the  body  of  the  animal  to  form  the  sub- 
stances necessary  for  the  formation  of  calculi. 
Gravel  is  the  name  given  to  this  derangement  when 
the  deposit  is  in  small  crystalline  form  like  sand. 
This  form  is  oftenest  seen  in  the  mare.  When  it  is 
in  a  solid,  hard  body  it  is  called  a  stone  (calculus). 


128  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

There  is  also  sometimes  a  deposit  of  a  softer  nature 
resembling  putty.  The  following  is  the  average 
analysis  of  the  calculi  of  the  horse: 

Carbonate  of  lime,  85.03 ;  carbonate  of  magnesia, 
3.62;  phosphate  of  lime,  5.81;  organic  matter, 
4.21;  water  and  loss,  1.33;  total,  100.00. 

In  cattle:  Carbonate  of  lime,  84.8;  carbonate  of 
magnesia,  10.00;  carbonate  of  iron,  0.6;  organic 
matter,  1.6;  water  and  loss,  3.00;  silicic  acid  incon- 
sistent, 100.00. 

In  the  horse  and  ox  carbonate  of  lime  is  present 
in  the  urine  at  all  times.;  but  if  from  some  cause 
there  is  an  excess  of  it  .n  the  urine  it  is  liable  to  be 
deposited  and  form  iftto  a  stone  or  gravel. 

Symptoms :  In  thf?  horse  and  ox  there  is  stiffness 
in  the  hind  legs,  switching  of  the  tail,  a  frequent 
desire  to  pass  urine  indicated  by  the  animal 
stretching  out;  the  ox  does  not  stretch  out,  but  will 
kick  its  belly  with  its  foot ;  at  times  the  urine  will 
pass  easy,  when  all  at  once  it  will  stop,  and  all  at- 
tempts at  further  passage  are  in  vain ;  the  animal 
may  sigh,  or  even  groan,  or  may  lie  down.  The 
stoppage  is  caused  by  the  stone  pressing  for  the 
time  being  against  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  thus 
preventing  the  passage  of  the  urine.  After  the 
animal  is  moved  the  stone  may  pass  back  into  the 
body  of  the  bladder  and  not  trouble  the  animal  for 
some  time;  but  usually  the  straining  in  passing 
the  urine  forces  the  stone  against  the  neck  of  the 
bladder,  and  every  time  the  animal  passes  urine  it 
will  be  troubled  in  the  same  way  as  mentioned 
above.     This  may  continue  for  a  long  time,  not 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  129 

seeming  to  affect  the  animal's  health.  In  some 
cases  of  gravel  in  the  mare  and  horse  there  will  be 
incontinence  of  urine,  excoriating  the  skin  of 
thighs  and  legs,  making  them  inflame  and  swell, 
causing  the  animal  to  go  lame.  When  animals 
show  the  above  symptoms  it  will  be  necessary  to 
make  an  examination  to  ascertain  the  true  nature 
of  the  trouble.  This  is  done  per  rectum  in  the 
horse  and  ox  and  per  vagina  in  the  mare  and 
cow.  First  empty  the  rectum  by  injections  of  warm 
water.  The  time  selected  should  be,  if  possible, 
after  the  animal  has  urinated ;  if  this  is  not  prac- 
ticable, use  the  catheter,  as  it  is  much  easier  to  de- 
tect the  stone  when  the  bladder  is  empty;  oil  the 
hand  and  introduce  it  into  the  rectum  or  vagina. 
After  passing  the  hand  in  eight  to  twelve  inches, 
under  the  lower  surface  of  the  rectum  the  stone  can 
be  easily  felt  if  present  as  a  hard  lump;  if  none  is 
present  it  will  be  smooth  and  soft,  so  no  mistake 
need  be  made. 

Treatment :  When  a  stone  is  found,  in  the  major- 
ity of  cases  it  ought  to  be  removed.  This  may  be 
done  in  the  mare  without  cutting  the  urethra.  The 
hand  is  oiled  and  introduced  into  the  vagina  at  a 
distance  of  four  inches ;  on  its  floor  will  be  found 
the  opening  into  the  bladder.  It  is  covered  by  a 
flap  of  membrane,  which  is  easily  lifted  up  with  the 
finger.  The  forefinger  is  passed  into  this  opening 
and  kept  there;  a  pair  of  spoon  forceps,  warmed 
and  oiled,  is  then  passed  by  the  other  hand  into  the 
opening  under  the  finger,  which  is  withdrawn  as 
soon  as  the  forceps  enter  the  opening;  the  blades 


130  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

of  the  forceps  are  opened  and  closed  for  the  pur- 
pose of  dilating  the  opening;  when  this  is  accom- 
plished and  the  forceps  have  reached  the  stone, 
which  is  easily  known  by  the  sound  of  the  for- 
ceps against  it,  the  right  hand  is  now  passed 
either  into  the  vagina  or  rectum  and  the  stone 
guided  into  the  forceps,  which  should  then  be 
closed  firmly  on  the  stone  and  gently  withdrawn 
with  a  slight  rotary  motion.  If  the  stone  is  too 
large  it  will  require  to  be  crushed.  The  opening 
or  urethra  in  the  mare  is  much  larger  than  in  the 
horse,  and  by  degrees  it  can  be  dilated  to  a  consid- 
erable size.  In  one  case  of  a  mare,  which  was 
troubled  by  deposits  of  the  soft  gravel,  large  quan- 
tities of  it  would  form  in  the  bladder  in  a  few 
months.  In  this  case  I  had  no  trouble  in  dilating 
the  opening  large  enough  to  admit  a  large  table- 
spoon, which  I  used  to  scoop  out  the  material 
which  had  accumulated;  sometimes  as  much  as 
a  pint  was  removed  at  once.  The  operation  on  the 
horse  is  much  more  difficult.  The  instruments 
needed  are  a  catheter,  a  pair  of  spoon  forceps,  a 
grooved  director  and  a  probe-pointed  knife,  a 
sponge,  needles  and  catgut.  Cast  the  horse,  and  if 
possible  put  it  under  the  influence  of  chloroform, 
then  pass  the  catheter  and  turn  the  horse  on  its 
back;  make  an  incision  about  two  inches  long 
through  urethra  onto  the  catheter,  withdraw  the 
catheter,  and  introduce  a  pair  of  long  forceps, 
not  too  large  (warm  them  and  oil  before  using 
them);  then  open  and  close  the  blades  for  a  few 
minutes  to  dilate  the  urethra,  introduce  the  spoon 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  131 

forceps,  warmed  and  oiled,  press  these  in  until  the 
stone  is  touched;  introduce  the  right  hand  into 
the  rectum,  and  guide  the  stone  between  the  blades 
of  the  forceps,  grasp  the  handles  firmly,  and  by  a 
rotary  motion  try  and  extract  it.  If  this  cannot  be 
done  withdraw  the  forceps,  introduce  the  grooved 
director,  and  run  the  probe-pointed  knife  along 
the  groove  of  the  director;  then  make  one  free  in- 
cision through  the  urethra,  introduce  the  forceps 
and  remove  the  stone.  The  bladder  should  be 
washed  out  with  warm  water,  the  wound  cleaned 
and  the  edges  brought  together  by  a  few  stitches 
with  catgut.  The  part  should  then'  be  bathed  with 
acetate  of  lead  one  dram,  tincture  of  opium  one 
ounce,  water  half  a  pint.  If  the  animal  is  suffer- 
ing much  pain  give  one  to  two  drains  of  powdered 
opium  made  into  a  ball.  If  much  swelling  takes 
place  bathe  it  frequently  with  the  above  lotion. 
Sometimes  the  urine  infiltrates  into  the  tissue  be- 
tween the  skin  and  flesh,  setting  up  great  inflam- 
mation, causing  the  death  of  the  animal. 

Lithotomy  in  the  ox:  The  catheter  cannot  be 
introduced  into  the  urethra  of  the  ox,  and  the  re- 
moval of  a  stone  from  the  bladder  can  only  be  done 
by  cutting  on  the  urethra.  This  is  done  by  cutting 
through  the  skin  about  two  inches  below  the  anus 
and  exposing  the  urethra  and  cutting  through  it. 
The  remainder  of  the  treatment  is  the  same  as  in 
the  horse. 

Urethral  Calculi. — These  stones  are  formed 
sometimes  in  the  fossa  or  cavity  in  the  point  of  the 
yard.    When  present  they  give  rise  to  a  stoppage 


132  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

or  partial  stoppage  of  the  water.  First  examine 
the  cavity  in  the  end,  then  run  the  fingers  along 
the  back  part  of  the  yard,  and  if  there  is  any  ob- 
struction it  can  be  easily  felt.  In  the  end  it  can 
usually  be  removed  with  the  fingers.  If  this  can- 
not be  done  try  the  forceps.  If  it  is  too  large  to  be 
removed  through  the  opening  slit  it  and  then  the 
stone  can  be  easily  pressed  out.  If  it  is  up  in  the 
urethra  cut  down  upon  it  and  remove  it,  then  pass 
a  small  pin  through  the  lips  of  the  wound  and  tie 
a  piece  of  thread  in  the  form  of  the  figure  eight; 
this  will  bring  the  edges  of  the  wound  together. 
Then  cut  off  the  sharp  end  of  the  pin  and  let  it 
remain  in  until  it  sloughs  off,  and  usually  by  that 
time  it  will  be  healed.  If  it  should  slough  off  too 
soon  put<  iQ  another  pin  in  the  same  way.  If  the 
edges  of  the  wound  are  dry  scarify  them  before 
inserting  the  pin. 

Preputial  Calculi. — This  form  of  calculi  is  found 
in  the  sheath,  usually  in  the  ox  or  steer,  seldom  in 
the  bull.  I  was  called  to  a  well-marked  case  of 
this  trouble,  which  I  will  give  as  an  illustration. 
The  patient  was  a  three-year-old  steer  which  was 
noticed  for  some  time  to  have  a  swelling  at  the  end 
of  the  sheath,  which  gradually  increased  in  size. 
One  day  the  animal  seemed  to  move  stiff  and  re- 
fused its  food,  and  would  not  move  unless  it  was 
made  to.  When  I  saw  the  animal  it  was  standing 
with  its  back  arched,  breathing  faster  than  nat- 
ural; the  nose  was  dry  and  the  animal  seemed  to 
be  in  distress.  I  noticed  that  the  sheath  was  swol- 
len its  entire  length,  and  on  examination  I  also 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  133 

found  the  lymphatics  on  the  inside  of  the  legs  were 
hard  and  swollen.  Inside  the  point  of  the 
sheath  I  found  a  large  accumulation  of  the  limy 
deposit  adhering  to  the  sides  of  the  sheath,  almost 
closing  it  up,  and  from  some  cause  had  set  up  in- 
flammation of  the  sheath,  causing  the  animal  to 
be  feverish.  I  had  the  animal  tied  up  by  the  head 
and  a  strong  strap  buckled  around  its  hind  pas- 
terns, so  that  it  could  not  kick.  I  then  tried  to 
remove  it  with  my  fingers,  but  found  it  was  too 
hard.  I  then  used  a  strong  pair  of  forceps,  and 
broke  it  off  piece  by  piece,  until  I  finally  removed 
it  altogether,  but  it  left  the  walls  of  the  sheath  raw 
and  sore.  I  washed  it  out  with  warm  water,  then 
applied  to  its  walls  a  little  of  the  following:  Gly- 
cerine two  ounces,  tincture  of  opium  one  ounce, 
tannic  acid  two  drams,  sweet  oil  two  ounces;  this 
was  mixed  and  well  shaken  before  using.  It  is 
best  put  on  with  a  swab  or  mop  once  a  day.  The 
outside  of  the  sheath  was  bathed  with  warm  water 
and  some  lead  lotion  applied.  The  animal  got  one 
and  one-half  pounds  Epsom  salts,  and  the  next  day 
was  much  better,  and  in  ten  days  was  quite  well. 
These  cases  ought  to  be  looked  to  early.  As  soon 
as  any  swelling  is  noticed,  the  animal  should  be 
examined,  and  if  need  be  attended  to  as  above, 
as  it  would  save  time  and  suffering  to  the  animal. 


134  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN. 

The  skin  on  the  animal's  body  serves  as  a  pro- 
tection to  the  soft  structures  beneath  it;  also  to 
prevent  noxious  materials  from  passing  into  the 
body,  and  allows  the  escape  of  waste  materials 
from  the  body.  This  is  constantly  going  on.  If 
from  disease  or  other  causes  these  pores  become 
stopped  up  the  animal  soon  suffers  from  the  effete 
matters  being  penned  up  in  the  system.  It  is 
therefore  of  the  greatest  importance  to  keep  the 
skin  of  animals  clean  and  healthy.  It  is  said  that 
good  grooming  is  worth  half  the  food;  and  there 
is  a  great  deal  in  it,  as  it  prevents  disease  of  the 
skin  and  keeps  off  vermin. 

"Hidebound"  is  not  a  disease,  but  the  result  of 
disease,  or  the  want  of  proper  food  and  shelter.  The 
skin  becomes  dry  on  account  of  the  secretions  be- 
ing stopped,  and  the  nerves  of  the  skin  being  in  a 
disordered  condition,  causing  the  hair  to  stand 
erect.  An  animal  that  is  fat  and  in  good  health  is 
never  hidebound. 

We  will  divide  the  diseases  of  the  skin  into  two 
sections,  the  non-parasitic  and  the  parasitic.  There 
are  a  great  many  names  given  to  the  non-parasitic 
diseases,  but  they  are  very  conflicting,  and  for  our 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  135 

purpose  we  will  only  separate  the  ones  which  re- 
quire a  different  treatment. 

The  word  Eczema  is  applied  to  a  number  of  dis- 
eases. We  will  apply  it  to  a  disease  characterized 
by  a  redness,  followed  by  the  surface  of  the  skin 
presenting  a  number  of  little  vesicles  or  blisters, 
from  which  exudes  an  acrid  fluid,  which  concretes 
on  the  hair  in  a  yellow  crust,  and  in  some  cases  the 
hair  drops  out.  A  peculiarity  of  this  form  of  dis- 
ease is  that  it  is  recurrent,  and  in  this  way  it  may 
last  for  a  long  time  if  not  remedied.  In  some  cases 
the  skin  may  crack,  and  in  others  it  may  lead  to  a 
thickening. 

Treatment:  In  the  early  stage  give  the  animal 
a  physic:  Aloes  one  ounce,  ginger  one  ounce,  soda 
carbonate  one  ounce,  dissolve  in  half  a  pint  of  boil- 
ing water,  then  add  half  a  pint  of  cold 
water,  and  give  at  one  dose.  For  cattle  give 
from  one  to  one  and  one-half  pounds  Epsom  salts, 
and  one  ounce  ground  ginger  dissolved  in  half  a 
gallon  of  water,  at  one  dose.  Follow  this  with  sul- 
phate of  iron  four  ounces,  nitrate  of  potass,  four 
ounces,  divide  into  twenty-four  doses,  one  to  be 
given  in  a  small  mash  of  bran  twice  daily.  Wash 
the  skin  with  one  ounce  of  carbonate  of  potassium 
dissolved  in  a  quart  of  water;  rub  this  well  in;  then 
use  warm  water  to  wash  it  off.  Keep  the  animal 
warm  until  dry.  If  there  is  much  itching  wash  the 
itchy  parts  with  acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce, 
tincture  of  opium  two  ounces,  water  one  quart.  For 
chronic  cases  give  one  ounce  of  Fowler's  solution 
of  arsenic  in  a  bran  mash  and  continue  it  for  a 


136  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

month.  Wash  the  skin  as  above.  If  the  skin 
should  become  thick  and  scaly  use  biniodide  of 
mercury  two  drams,  vaseline  four  ounces.  Rub  on 
a  little  with  the  fingers.  Never  cover  over  much 
surface  at  a  time.  For  example,  if  the  neck  is  the 
part  affected,  take  one  side  at  a  time,  and  in  three 
davs  take  the  other  side,  and  so  on  in  other  parts 
of  the  body  until  you  get  all  over  the  animal  if  nec- 
essary. One  application  is  usually  all  that  is  need- 
ed ;  but  if  it  should  not  cure  it,  repeat  in  two  weeks. 
Tie  the  head  of  the  animal  so  that  it  cannot  get  its 
mouth  to  the  part  for  the  first  ten  or  twelve  hours ; 
after  that  the  irritation  will  be  over.  This  is  a  fine 
remedy  if  properly  used. 

Urticaria,  Nettle  Rash,  Surfeit. — The  symptoms 
are  sudden  appearance  of  elastic  patches  or  prom- 
inences on  the  skin,  accompanied  by  great  itching 
of  the  part,  and  it  may  pass  off  as  suddenly  as  it 
appeared.  There  is  a  second  variety  of  this  dis- 
ease, in  which  the  lumps  may  arise  on  every  part 
of  the  body,  some  large,  others  small,  and  if  they 
do  not  pass  off  soon,  may  form  vesicles  and  dis- 
charge a  glutinous  fluid,  and  the  animal  may  ap- 
pear dull,  the  appetite  may  be  impaired  and  the 
animal's  health  disturbed.  This  disease  may 
make  its  appearance  on  any  horse,  but  it  is  usually 
caused  by  the  animal  being  overfed  and  having 
no  exercise,  or  from  the  animal's  being  poorly  fed 
and  over- worked.  In  the  spring  I  have  seen  it 
in  colts  which  had  been  poorly  fed  all  winter. 

Treatment:  If  the  animal  is  fat  give  the  same 
dose  as  recommended  for  eczema;  if  the  animal  is 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  137 

thin  give  good  hay  and  oats,  boiled  flaxseed  and 
bran  once  daily.  Give  sulphate  of  iron  four 
ounces,  nitrate  of  potassium  four  ounces,  nux  vom- 
ica two  ounces,  mix  and  divide  into  twenty-four 
doses,  one  to  be  given  twice  daily  in  the  food.  If 
the  skin  is  itchy  use  lead  and  opium  as  in  eczema. 
After  giving  this,  if  the  animal  is  not  cured,  give 
arsenic  in  the  form  of  Fowler's  solution  in  ounce 
doses  once  daily  in  food  for  a  month. 

Lichen. — This  consists  of  pimples  on  the  skin 
about  the  size  of  a  millet  seed.  They  develop  prin- 
cipally around  the  hair  follicles  in  patches.  The 
hair  falls  off  and  the  skin  remains  bare  for  five  or 
six  weeks,  when  a  layer  of  scales  drops  off,  and 
then  the  hair  begins  to  grow.  The  malady  is  apt 
to  recur.  All  that  is  necessary  in  this  case  is  to 
keep  the  skin  clean  by  good  grooming  and  give  a 
tablespoonful  of  sulphur  and  half  an  ounce  of  ni- 
trate of  potassium  once  a  day  in  mash. 

Pimphigus. — This  is  a  disease  of  the  skin  char- 
acterized by  bladders  or  elevations  of  the  scarf 
skin,  varying  from  the  size  of  a  walnut  to  a  hen's 
egg.  A  thin  transparent  fluid  oozes  from  them, 
and  when  large  and  opened  it  will  run  out  in  a 
stream.  In  some  cases  the  animal  may  be  fevered, 
but  usually  it  is  not.  The  disease  runs  its 
course  in  a  week  or  ten  days.  The  hair  may  drop 
out  where  the  lumps  were  and  be  some  time  in  com- 
ing in. 

Treatment :  Give  a  physic  of  aloes  to  the  horse 
and  salts  to  the  ox,  open  the  vesicles  and  dress  with 
oxide  of  zinc  one  ounce,  vaseline  three  ounces. 


138  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

Prurigo. — This  disease  is  caused  by  a  deranged 
state  of  the  system  and  usually  affects  the  neck, 
head,  mane,  root  of  tail,  and  sometimes  the  hind 
quarters. 

Treatment:  Give  a  dose  of  physic  or  bran 
mashes  with  nitrate  of  potassium  in  half-ounce 
doses  twice  daily  for  a  week.  Wash  the  affected 
parts  with  one  ounce  of  sulphuric  acid  mixed  in  a 
quart  of  water. 

Acne. — This  is  a  formation  of  pimples  or  small 
abscesses,  which  form  on  the  skin,  usually  scat- 
tered over  the  sides  of  the  body  and  under  the  bel- 
ly. In  cows  usually  on  the  udder  and  inside  the 
thighs.  In  some  cases  they  break  and  discharge 
a  little  matter;  they  then  dry  up  and  soon  heal. 

Treatment:  Give  a  dose  of  physic  followed  by 
Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  in  ounce  doses  once 
daily  in  mash.  If  there  are  any  sores  use  a  little 
oxide  of  zinc  ointment. 

Pityriasis. — This  is  a  scurfy  condition  of  the 
skin  usually  seen  in  horses  which  have  been  win- 
tered out  of  doors  and  fed  on  innutritious  food. 
Change  the  food  and  give  boiled  flaxseed  and  a 
dram  of  sulphate  of  iron  night  and  morning  in  bran 
mash. 

Alopecia  (Baldness). — In  the  horse  this  is  usual- 
ly the  result  of  applying  too  irritating  substances 
to  the  skin,  such  as  the  strong  acids,  using  blisters 
on  the  same  part  before  it  has  healed  from  the 
effects  of  the  first  one,  and  from  wounds  not  prop 
erly  treated.  When  the  hair  bulb,  or  root,  which 
is  situated  beneath  the  skin,  is  destroyed,  the  hair 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  139 

drops  out,  leaving  the  skin  bare,  and  as  there  is  no 
root  the  hair  cannot  grow,  neither  is  there  any  med- 
icine that  will  cause  it  to  grow.  In  some  cases  the 
hair  may  drop  out  from  fever  or  inflammation  of 
the  tissue  under  the  skin  affecting  the  hair  bulb, 
but  not  destroying  it.  In  this  case  it  will  grow 
again,  and  may  be  helped  by  applying  friction 
and  a  little  tincture  of  cantharides  to  it  every  third 
day. 

Warts.— The  cause  of  this  derangement  is  not 
well  understood,  but  is  supposed  to  be  caused  by 
an  altered  state  of  the  cells  of  the  skin,  taking  on 
this  form  of  growth.  When  a  wart  is  irritated  by 
rubbing  it  may  take  on  the  form  of  an  ugly  fungus- 
like mass  and  bleed  on  the  slightest  pressure.  They 
occur  very  frequently  about  the  head  and  face, 
but  may  come  on  any  part  of  the  body. 

Treatment:  On  all  those  which  have  a  neck  tie 
a  small  cord  tightly  around  them,  and  if  they  do 
not  slough  off  in  a  week  tie  another  cord.  When 
they  slough  off  apply  a  little  terchloride  of  anti- 
mony to  the  raw  spots  to  destroy  the  roots.  This  can 
be  repeated  every  third  day.  Usually  two  applica- 
tions are  enough.  In  cases  where  they  are  flat, 
scrape  off  the  surface  with  a  blunt  knife,  and  when 
they  stop  bleeding  apply  a  little  of  the  terchloride 
of  antimony  with  a  feather.  Scrape  the  scab  off  in 
three  days  and  apply  a  little  more,  and  so  on  until 
it  is  lower  than  the  surrounding  skin.  Then  use 
oxide  of  zinc  one  ounce,  lard  two  ounces.  Apply  a 
little  once  a  day  until  it  is  healed.  These  warts 
can  be  removed  with  the  knife,  and  the  caustic  ap- 
plied, but  I  find  that  the  plan  given  above  is  St 


140  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

best.  There  is  a  form  of  warts  which  appear  sud- 
denly on  the  lips  and  nose  of  young  colts  and 
calves,  and  sometimes  on  older  animals.  These 
are  small,  and  the  whole  lip  will  be  covered  with 
them.  They  sometimes  occur  on  the  inside  of  the 
lip  of  the  dog.  They  require  no  treatment,  and 
will  often  disappear  as  suddenly  as  they  came. 

Emphysema  (Air  Under  the  Skin). — This  is  usu- 
ally the  result  of  a  wound,  where  the  skin  is  loosely 
connected  with  the  muscles,  as  behind  the  elbow 
or  lower  part  of  the  neck.  There  is  a  peculiar 
crackling  beneath  the  skin  when  the  pressure  is 
brought  to  bear  upon  the  part.  In  the  majority  of 
cases  it  requires  no  interference,  as  it  will  soon 
pass  away.  In  bad  cases  the  skin  may  be  punc- 
tured and  gentle  friction  applied.  \ 

Mange. — This  is  a  contagious  disease  caused  by 
a  parasite. 

Causation:  Although  it  is  undoubted  that  the 
essential  and  immediate  factor  in  the  production 
of  mange  in  any  form  is  the  presence  of  the  mange 
mite,  we  may  not  shut  our  eyes  to  the  teachings  of 
experience,  in  so  far  as  that  these  tell  us  that  all 
debilitating  and  exhausting  influences,  as  expo- 
sure, fatigue,  want  of  sufficient  food,  and  fitting 
stabling  render  animals  more  susceptible  to  the 
attack  and  rapid  development  of  the  inducing 
parasite,  and  of  course  materially  influence  the 
progress  and  termination  of  the  disease.  ,  The  in- 
fluences of  these  agencies  have  been  observed  and 
their  extent  determined  by  all  observers,  particu- 
larly by  those  associated  with  large  collections  of 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  141 

animals  in  civil  as  well  as  military  life.  In  the 
latter  condition  this  disease,  along  with  glanders, 
has  ever  been  the  scourge  of  armies  in  the  field. 
(Robertson.) 

Symptoms :  Mange  in  the  horse  and  ox  usually 
begins  in  the  neck,  withers,  and  root  of  tail.  From 
these  parts  the  disease  extends  and  passes  through 
its  various  stages,  which  are  first  characterized 
by  round,  irritable  patches.  During  this  stage 
there  is  intense  itching,  and  from  the  vesicles  which 
appear  there  oozes  a  watery  fluid,  which  soon  dries, 
forming  a  scab.  The  hair  drops  out,  and  on  ac- 
count of  the  animal  rubbing  and  biting  itself  the 
part  is  left  raw  and  sore  and  the  skin  swollen  and 
red.  In  the  chronic  stage  there  is  not  so  much 
itching.  In  the  dog  it  begins  on  the  inside  of  the 
legs  and  scrotum,  and  soon  spreads  to  the  back. 
As  mange  in  its  various  forms  resembles  other 
eruptive  diseases  of  the  skin  it  is  first  necessary  to 
look  for  the  parasite,  which  can  be  done  by  a  mag- 
nifying glass,  also  tracing  the  origin  of  the  conta- 
gion. In  some  cases  the  parasite  can  be  seen  with 
the  naked  eye  in  the  glare  of  the  sunlight. 

In  the  treatment  of  mange  we  must  destroy  the 
parasites.  It  is  also  necessary  to  destroy  the  eggs, 
which  require  stronger  remedies  than  would  kill 
the  parasites.  The  eggs  are  concealed  under  the 
scales,  or  scabs,  and  are  difficult  to  get  at.  First 
wash  the  affected  parts  with  soft  soap  and  water, 
using  a  brush  to  remove  or  break  down  as  many  of 
the  scabs  as  possible.  Boil  stavesacre  seeds,  one 
part  to  twenty  parts  of  water,  for  one  hour,  and  let 


142  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

it  simmer  for  another  hour.  Then  add  water  to 
make  it  up  to  the  original  bulk.  Apply  a  little  of 
this  to  all  the  affected  parts.  Repeat  in  a  week 
if  necessary.  Sulphur  half  a  pound,  vaseline  one 
ounce,  mixed  and  rubbed  in  well,  is  also  a  good 
reniedy.  Another,  than  which  there  is  nothing 
better,  is  linseed  oil  one  pint,  oil  of  tar  two  ounces, 
sulphur  two  ounces,  mixed,  well  rubbed  in  two 
days  in  succession,  allowed  to  remain  for  three  or 
four  days,  and  then  washed  off  with  soap  and  water 
and  reapplied  if  thought  necessary.  Sanitas  oil 
is  the  safest  and  best  to  apply  to  mange  on  dogs, 
as  there  is  no  danger  of  poisoning  with  it. 

Lousiness. — This  is  a  very  common  trouble  in 
horses  and  cattle,  and  is  best  treated  by  the  use 
of  stavesacre  seeds  as  recommended  for  mange. 
Another  good  remedy  is  to  boil  for  one  hour  two 
ounces  of  arsenic,  two  ounces  of  soda  ash,  and  four 
ounces  of  soft  soap  and  two  gallons  of  water.  Add 
water  to  make  it  up  to  the  two  gallons.  When  cool 
wet  the  animal  all  over  with  a  little  of  it,  using  a 
currycomb  to  get  it  into  the  skin.  Keep  the  ani^ 
mal  in  the  stable  until  dry. 

Tinea  Favosa  (Ringworm). — This  is  a  common 
disease  in  young  cattle,  affecting  them  around  the 
eyes  and  legs. 

Symptoms:  The  appearance  of  a  white  or  gray- 
ish scurf  and  the  hair  dropping  off. 

Treatment:  Scrape  off  the  scurf  with  a  blunt 
knife,  then  paint  it  with  tincture  of  iodine  every 
third  day  until  four  applications  have  been  used. 

Scalds  and  Burns. — Superficial  scalds  or  burns 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  143 

cause  a  redness  of  the  skin,  and  if  deep  enough 
will  cause  the  hair  to  drop  out,  or  cause  absorption 
of  the  pigment,  which  gives  color  to  the  hair,  and 
it  may  never  be  reproduced.  Tn  that  case  the  hair 
over  the  part  will  remain  white.  This  often  takes 
place  from  scalds  by  the  harness  rubbing  on  the 
skin  when  the  animal  is  hot.  There  is  no  remedy 
for  it.  When  a  burn  is  deep  it  will  inflame,  and 
as  a  result  matter  will  form,  and  if  properly  treat- 
ed will  heal  without  leaving  any  blemish.  First 
protect  the  part  from  the  air  by  applying  bicarbon- 
ate of  soda  to  it,  or  by  painting  it  over  with  collo- 
dion. If  matter  forms  wash  it  carefully  and  apply 
acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce,  zinc  sulphate  half  an 
ounce,  water  one  quart.  Apply  a  little  twice  a  day. 
If  there  is  any  proud  flesh  it  should  be  kept  down 
by  applying  a  little  terchloride  of  antimony.  Keep 
the  center  lower  than  the  surounding  parts,  so  that 
the  edges  will  grow  close  together,  and  when  it 
heals  the  hair  will  cover  it  and  leave  no  blemish. 
Grease. — This  is  a  form  of  eczema  which  is  fre- 
quently seen  in  horses,  affecting  the  skin  of  the  fet- 
lock and  heels.  There  are  two  forms  of  this  dis- 
ease, of  which  one  is  very  common  in  the  draft  stal- 
lion. The  first  symptom  that  is  noticed  is  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  dry,  scurfy  material  at  the  roots  of 
the  long  hair  of  the  fetlock;  by  degrees  this  accu- 
mulates into  bunches  and  can  be  seen  through  the 
hair;  then  in  some  cases  there  will  be  cracks 
through  the  skin,  and  if  the  animal  is  exercised 
they  may  bleed,  and  if  not  treated  they  will  in- 
crease    until     they     become     unsightly     blem- 


144  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

ishes.  This  disease  is  caused  bv  a  filling  up  of  the 
lymphatic  vessels  with  fluid,  and  a  little  of  it 
oozes  out  through  the  skin,  forming  a  crust,  and 
the  skin  under  it  gradually  becomes  sore;  and  a 
morbid  growth  of  cells,  which  should  have  formed 
the  scarf  skin,  forms  into  bunches,  which  become 
hard,  although  there  are  blood  vessels  in  the  lumps, 
and  in  this  way  they  develop. 

Treatment:  In  the  early  stage  apply  a  poultice 
of  linseed  meal,  changing  it  twice  a  day  until  the 
scurfy  part  is  clean,  then  rub  on  once  daily  oxide  of 
zinc  one  ounce,  vaseline  two  ounces.  If  there  is 
any  tendency  for  scurf  to  form,  apply  the  poultice 
again.  Give  the  horse  a  dose  of  physic;  aloes  is 
the  best,  and  when  the  physic  operates  give  one  of 
the  following  powders  once  a  day  in  bran  mash: 
Sulphate  of  iron  four  ounces,  nitrate  of  potassium 
four  ounces,  mix  and  divide  into  twenty-four  doses. 
Give  regular  exercise  and  do  not  feed  much  corn. 
In  cases  where  bunches  have  formed  remove  them 
either  by  twisting  them  off  with  the  fingers  or 
cutting  them  off  with  the  knife  or  the  hot  iron. 
This  is  best  done  by  taking  two  shovels  (fire),  and 
heating  one  of  them  red  hot,  and  putting  the  cold 
one  between  the  skin  and  the  hot  one,  and  by  using 
a  little  pressure  on  the  hot  shovel  it  will  cut  off 
the  bunch.  When  they  are  cut  off  by  this  method 
no  caustic  is  needed,  but  when  twisted  off  or  re- 
moved by  the  knife  the  raw  parts  should  be 
touched  with  a  little  terchloride  of  antimony  once. 
Then  in  all  cases  to  heal  them  use  the  oxide  of  zinc 
ointment  once  daily.      There  is  another  form  of 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  145 

grease  in  which  pustules  form,  yielding  a  foetid 
discharge.  In  some  cases  the  legs  swell  before  the 
pustules  form,  and  there  may  be  some  fever.  The 
hind  legs  are  the  ones  usually  affected.  The  dis- 
charge is  sometimes  very  profuse,  wetting  the  back 
of  the  hoofs;  and  if  the  animal  stands  for  some 
time  the  floor  beneath  the  feet  will  be  wet.  The 
discharge  of  grease  is  very  irritating,  and  will  de- 
stroy the  parts  over  which  it  flows.  This  causes 
the  skin  to  crack  and  become  sore,  and  proud  flesh 
may  form  with  a  crust  on  top,  which,  if  peeled  off, 
will  bleed  freely.  In  some  cases  this  greasy  sub- 
stance will  burrow  between  the  horny  and  the  sen- 
sitive frog,  making  it  a  very  difficult  case  to  treat. 
Professor  Hering  has  found  in  chronic  grease  a 
large  number  of  acari  called  "sarcoptes  hippopo- 
dus,"  which  cause  great  itching,  and  the  animal 
bites  and  rubs  the  parts.  To  prevent  this,  if  the 
horse  has  a  tendency  to  swell  in  the  leg,  that  should 
be  remedied  as  soon  as  possible  in  case  it  should 
take  on  this  form.  The  horse  should  have  regular 
exercise  and  not  too  much  food,  and  if  the  legs 
should  swell,  give  a  dose  of  physic,  followed  by 
tonics.  Some  breeds  of  horses  seem  to  be  predis- 
posed to  grease.  The  heavy,  coarse-limbed  ani- 
mals, with  hairy  legs,  are  more  often  affected  with 
this  disease  than  others.  Poultice  the  parts  to 
clean  and  soften  them.  Remove  all  the  scabs,  and 
if  there  are  bunches  of  fungoid  granulations  they 
will  have  to  be  removed  by  caustic,  or  the  hot  iron. 
After  this  is  done  take  one  ounce  of  carbolic  acid 
and  six  ounces  of  water,  shake  it  up  well  and  apply 


14G  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

a  little  to  all  the  sore  parts.  This  strength  will 
turn  the  parts  white  and  will  kill  the  acari.  In 
two  days  after  using  the  carbolic  acid  use  acetate 
of  lead  half  an  ounce,  sulphate  of  zinc  half  an 
ounce,  water  one  quart.  Apply  a  little  twice  a  day. 
Use  the  carbolic  acid  again  if  the  parts  are  not 
healthy.  If  it  has  burrowed  between  the  horny 
and  sensitive  frog  cut  away  all  the  loose  horn  and 
use  the  above  treatment.  Give  the  horse  one  ounce 
of  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  once  a  day  in  bran 
mash. 

Scratches  or  Cracked  Heels  in  Horses. — This  is 
a  trouble  more  often  seen  in  the  race  and  trotting 
horse  than  in  the  draft.  One  of  the  causes  of  it 
in  the  fast  horse  is  the  sweat  running  down  the  legs 
and  lodging  in  the  hollow  of  the  heel,  irritating  the 
tender  skin,  causing  it  to  become  dry  and  crack. 
This  can  be  avoided  by  rubbing  the  heels  dry  and 
then  putting  on  a  little  vaseline.  This  should  be 
done  the  first  thing,  when  the  horse  is  taken,  to  the 
stable.  Wet  and  cold  and  cold  draughts  coming 
under  a  door  and  striking  on  the  heels  are  frequent 
causes.  In  all  cases  of  scratches  poultice  the  heels 
for  a  few  days  to  remove  the  soreness  and  inflam- 
mation, then  use  the  oxide  of  zinc  ointment,  and 
give  the  animal  half  an  ounce  of  nitrate  of  potas- 
sium once  a  day  in  bran  mash,  and  in  a  few  days 
they  will  heal.  There  is  a  chronic  form  of  scratches 
I  have  been  called  upon  to  treat  in  which  all  kinds 
of  medicines  have  been  tried  and  the  parts  seem 
to  be  healed,  but  as  soon  as  the  horse  is  driven  a 
short    distance   (lie   skin    cracks   open   and    blood 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  147 

oozes  out.  There  is  only  one  remedy  which  I  have 
found  to  be  of  any  use.  Take  biniodide  of  mer- 
cury two  drams,  vaseline  three  ounces.  Mix  and 
rub  on  a  little  of  this.  Let  it  remain  on  for  twenty- 
four  hours,  then  wash  off,  and  rub  on  a  little  lard. 
In  a  week,  or  when  it  is  well  from  the  effects  of  the 
first,  rub  on  a  little  more,  and  so  on  for  two  months. 
By  this  time  the  ointment  will  have  absorbed  the 
thickened  skin,  leaving  a  thin,  soft,  pliable, 
healthy  skin,  which  will  not  crack.  It  usually 
takes  from  two  to  three  months  to  accomplish 
this. 

Ringworm  (Tinea  Tonsurous). — This  is  common 
in  the  domestic  animals,  especially  in  calves  and 
young  cattle,  and  is  contagious.  It  depends  upon 
the  presence  of  a  vegetable  parasite,  which  devel- 
ops and  grows  rapidly  when  it  finds  a  suitable 
place  for  development.  It  may  affect  any  part  of 
the  body,  but  its  favorable  seat  is  the  face,  ears 
and  neck  of  cattle,  and  sometimes  the  back  and 
hind  quarters. 

Symptoms:  There  appears  a  gray  crust  on  the 
skin,  and  the  hair  drops  out.  This  keeps  spreading 
in  the  form  of  a  ring  until  the  side  of  the  face,  ears 
or  neck  may  be  covered  with  it.  It  appears  in  the 
same  way  on  the  back,  hips,  and  inside  of  the  hind 
legs.  It  does  not  seem  to  affect  the  health  of  the 
animal,  as  it  is  found  in  the  well-kept  as  well  as 
the  unkept. 

Treatment :  First  remove  the  crusts  by  washing 
the  parts  with  warm  water  in  which  one  ounce  of 
the  carbonate  of  potassium  has  been  put  to  every 


148  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

quart  of  water.  A  brush  should  be  used  to  wash 
with.  Then  use  iodine  two  drams,  vaseline  two 
ounces,  and  rub  a  little  of  this  on  with  a  gloved 
hand.  Repeat  in  three  days.  Or  take  carbolic  acid 
one  ounce,  alcohol  two  ounces,  and  apply  a  little 
of  this  to  the  parts  with  a  feather  once  or  twice; 
the  last  is  very  effective. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  149 


\ 

CHAPTER  IX. 

TUMORS. 

.  Fibrous  tumors  are  sometimes  seen  in  horses, 
and  are  due  to  pus  imprisoned  in  the  muscles,  and 
are  very  frequently  found  on  or  near  the  point  of 
the  shoulder,  and  arise  from  pressure  of  the  collar. 
They  are  found  on  other  parts  of  the  body  liable  to 
pressure.  They  are  hard  to  the  touch  and  not  pain- 
ful on  pressure.  The  best  method  of  treating  a 
tumor  of  this  kind  is  to  make  one  or  two  openings 
into  the  center  of  it,  and  when  it  stops  bleeding 
take  two  grains  of  bichloride  of  mercury  and  roll 
it  up  in  a  small  piece  of  tissue  paper  and  press  it 
into  the  bottom  of  the  opening.  Repeat  this  every 
third  day  until  the  tumor  disappears,  which  it  will 
soon  do,  leaving  no  blemish.  I  have  practiced  this 
method  for  a  number  of  years  with  success. 

Cystic  tumors  are  usually  caused  by  bruises  or 
pressure.  Thus  we  find  capped  elbow  and  capped 
hock. 

Capped  Elbow  is  caused  by  the  horse  lying  on  its 
foot  or  the  calkins  of  its  shoe,  and  from  this  pres- 
sure in  time  a  low  form  of  inflammation  is  set  up 
and  a  fluid  is  poured  into  the  bruised  part,  and  it 
gradually  increases  until  a  tumor,  or  what  is  called 
a  shoe  boil,  is  formed.    When  it  gets  into  this  state 


150  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

it  is  difficult  to  cure,as  there  is  no  flesh  on  the  point 
of  the  elbow  to  build  upon.  The  fluid  accumulates 
between  the  skin  and  the  point  of  the  elbow. 

Treatment:  Open  it  and  allow  the  fluid  to  run 
out.  If  it  is  hot  and  tender  bathe  it  three  or  four 
times  a  day  with  acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce, 
water  one  quart.  Inject  a  little  of  this  into  the 
opening  and  muffle  the  horse's  foot  by  putting  on 
a  bag  stuffed  with  short  straw.  There  is  a  tend- 
ency for  the  skin  and  tissue  to  thicken  and  in 
time  form  a  hard  tumor.  In  this  case  make  an 
opening  into  it  and  inject  a  little  tincture  of  iodine 
once  a  day  and  rub  iodine  ointment  on  the  outside 
twice  a  week;  one  part  of  iodine  to  eight  parts  of 
lard  is  the  best  strength  for  this.  Continue  this 
treatment  for  a  month  or  two.  Cutting  it  out  with 
the  knife,  I  find,  is  bad  practice,  as  in  the  majority 
of  cases  before  it  heals  the  tumor  will  be  larger 
than  before. 

Capped  Hock  is  caused  either  from  kicks  or 
bruises.  It  sets  up  an  inflammation,  resulting  in 
effusion  between  the  cap  and  the  point  of  the  bone 
of  the  hock,  and  if  an  opening  is  made  into  it,  it 
usually  makes  a  worse  blemish  than  the  enlarge- 
ment, and  is  best  treated  at  first  with  acetate  of 
lead  half  an  ounce,  water  one  quart.  After  all 
heat  and  tenderness  are  gone  use  biniodide  of  mer- 
cury one  dram,  lard  one  and  one-half  ounces;  rub 
on  a  little  once  a  week,  and  continue  it  for  several 
months.  There  are  cysts  which  form  on  the  stifle 
joint,  often  in  colts,  from  bruises.  Sometimes  they 
cause  lameness,  at  others  none.     These  are  best 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  151 

treated  as  capped  hock.  They  will  be  found  on  the 
knee  joint  and  in  front  of  the  fetlock  joint.  They 
seldom  cause  lameness,  but  are  blemishes,  and  can 
often  be  removed  if  treated  the  same  as  above,  but 
this  treatment  must  be  continued  for  several 
months,  or  there  will  be  no  use  in  beginning  it. 
Cysts  filled  with  blood  are  sometimes  found  on  the 
point  of  the  hip  or  on  the  outside  of  the  thigh. 
They  are  soft  to  the  touch.  Open  them  with  the 
knife  and  squeeze  out  the  contents,  and  inject 
about  a  tablespoonful  of  zinc  chloride  one  dram, 
water  one  pint,  twice  a  day  until  healed.  There  is 
very  little  trouble  in  curing  such  tumors  because 
they  are  on  the  fleshy  part. 

Cysted  Tumors  in  the  False  Nostrils  of  Horses. — 
These  will  attain  the  size  of  a  hen's  egg.  We  do 
not  understand  what  causes  them.  They  are  hard 
to  the  touch,  yet  they  all  contain  a  fluid  sometimes 
like  cocoanut  milk,  and  at  others  a  dark,  watery 
or  thick  mass.  Cut  off  the  hair,  cut  into  the  tumor, 
and  squeeze  out  its  contents,  then  wash  it  out  with 
water  and  inject  a  little  tincture  of  iodine.  If  it 
should  fill  up,  open  it  and  clean  out,  and  inject  a 
little  more  tincture  of  iodine.  It  seldom  requires 
to  be  treated  a  second  time.  There  is  no  danger 
oi  cutting  into  this  form  of  tumor,  as  there  are  no 
blood  vessels  of  any  importance. 

Actinomycosis  (Lumpy  Jaw). — This  is  a  hard 
tumor  peculiar  to  cattle,  which  grows  on  the  lower 
jaw;  sometimes  on  the  upper.  It  is  classed  as  a 
malignant  parasitic  tumor,  caused  by  the  presence 
of  a  vegetable  parasite  or  fungus.     This  disease  is 


152  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

thought  by  some  to  be  caused  by  an  injury.  This 
mass  usually  grows  on  the  outside  of  the  jaw  bone 
at  first,  but  the  healthy  nutrition  is  soon  destroyed 
and  the  bone  becomes  diseased,  sometimes  loosen- 
ing the  teeth,  which  interferes  with  mastication, 
and  the  animal  pines  away  and  dies  from  starva- 
tion. In  cutting  into  the  tumor  it  is  gristly,  and 
full  of  cavities  filled  with  a  yellowish  red  fluid.  If 
the  animal  rubs  the  skin  off  the  tumor,  which  they 
sometimes  do,  it  becomes  an  angry  looking  sore, 
with  a  little  bloody  matter  oozing  from  it.  The  dis- 
ease is  not  contagious.  I  have  experimented  for 
a  number  of  years  and  have  always  failed  to  pro- 
duce the  disease  in  another  animal,  even  by  inocu- 
lation, and  on  that  account  it  is  doubtful  if  it  is 
caused  by  a  parasite. 

Treatment:  In  the  early  stages  of  the  disease 
the  majority  of  cases  can  be  cured.  Give  the  ani- 
mal one  dram  of  iodide  of  potassium  morning  and 
evening  in  bran  mash  for  three  weeks.  If  the  ani- 
mal's eyes  should  get  watery  and  considerable 
saliva  run  from  the  mouth,  stop  for  a  few  days 
and  begin  again.  Rub  the  lump  once  a  week  with 
biniodide  of  mercury  one  dram,  lard  one  ounce. 
Continue  this  for  several  months,  when  the  tumor 
will  gradually  disappear.  When  the  tumor  has 
become  sore  and  matter  is  oozing  from  it  little  can 
be  done.  Some  few  cases  can  be  helped  by  rubbing 
on  a  little  bichloride  of  mercury  every  third  day, 
using  no  more  at  a  time  than  would  lie  on  a  ten- 
cent  piece.    This  will  act  as  a  caustic  and  eat  out 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  153 

the  heart  of  the  tumor.     It  is  best  applied  with  a 
smooth  piece  of  stick. 

Melanosis. — Melanotic  tumors  seem  to  be  nat- 
ural to  gray  horses,  as  they  are  seldom  found  on 
other  horses.  Their  structure  consists  of  connec- 
tive tissue,  intermixed  with  black  pigment  cells. 
They  are  of  a  cancerous  nature  and  have  been 
called  "black  cancer."  This  form  of  cancer  has 
been  found  in  nearly  all  kinds  of  domestic  animals, 
but  most  frequently  in  the  gray  horse.  It  is  thought 
that  this  pigment,  which  should  have  colored  the 
hair,  is,  under  certain  conditions  of  the  horse,  con- 
centrated in  one  or  more  places,  causing  the  forma- 
tion of  those  black  tumors.  Their  growth  is  some- 
times rapid,  at  others  very  slow.  Their  usual  place 
of  forming  is  on  the  black  skin  around  the  root 
of  the  tail,  or  the  udder,  although  I  have  seen  some 
cases  in  the  iron  gray  horses  where  they  have 
made  their  appearance  over  the  sides  and  on  the 
nose.  I  have  removed  and  seen  a  great  many 
melanotic  tumors,  and  they  have  always  returned 
sooner  or  later.  They  are  of  a  malignant  charac- 
ter and  are  therefore  incurable. 

Lymphoma. — This  is  a  term  given  to  a  disease 
which  affects  the  glandular  structures,  and  in  cat- 
tle usually  the  glands  of  the  neck.  Like  the  melan- 
otic tumors  they  are  sometimes  of  very  slow  devel- 
opment and  at  others  fast.  When  they  affect  the 
glands  of  the  throat  and  grow  rapidly  they  usually 
cause  suffocation,  and  the  result  of  such  tumors 
is  fatal  to  the  life  of  the  animal.  These  tumors  are 
considered  by  some  to  be  of  the  same  nature  as 


154  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

lumpy  jaw,  but  such  is  not  the  case.  If  they  are 
situated  so  that  they  can  be  removed  by  the  knife 
it  may  stop  their  progress  for  a  time,  but  they  are 
sure  to  make  their  appearance  again  either  on  the 
same  place  or  on  some  gland  of  the  body.  These 
diseases  are  not  contagious. 

Epithelial  Cancer. — This  is  usually  found  at  the 
edges  of  the  mouth,  eyelids,  vulva  and  anus.  It 
is  more  often  found  in  cattle  than  in  horses,  and  is 
often  the  result  of  injuries.  In  its  early  stage  if 
it  is  properly  eradicated  it  may  never  return. 

Treatment  for  Epithelial  cancer:  The  most 
successful  form  of  treatment  is  the  injection  of  ab- 
solute alcohol.  This  is  dene  with  a  hypodermic 
syringe;  from  a  dram  to  half  an  ounce  of  it  can  be 
used  at  a  time.  If  the  tumor  is  small  inject  a  little 
into  its  center.  If  large  inject  a  little  into  several 
places  at  the  base  of  the  tumor;  repeat  every  third 
day  until  it  drops  out.  Another  method  is  to  re- 
move it  with  a  knife  or  ligature,  and  when  it  is  re- 
moved apply  a  little  terchloride  of  antimony  to  the 
part  to  destroy  the  roots.  This  should  be  used 
every  second  day  for  a  week  or  two,  then  use  a  lit- 
tle of  the  following  to  heal  it:  Iodoform  half  an 
ounce,  vaseline  two  ounces;  apply  a  little  once  a 
day. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  155 


CHAPTER    X. 

DISEASES   OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

The  diseases  of  the  nervous  system  of  the  horse 
are  more  common  of  late  years  than  formerly,  and 
in  some  sections  of  the  country.  Through  the 
State  of  Illinois  some  years  there  are  a  number  of 
young  horses  affected  with  what  is  called  the 
"wabbles,"  where  the  animal  partially  loses  the 
use  of  its  hind  legs,  and  if  not  treated  in  time  will 
usually  prove  fatal.  The  cause  of  this  derange- 
ment is  not  known.  It  is  usually  common  in  the 
autumn  and  spring  months. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  is  first  noticed,  when 
walking,  to  suddenly  twist  its  hind  parts  tq  one 
side  and  wabble  a  little,  then  regain  the  use  of 
the  legs,  and  go  on  all  right  for  a  lew  steps  or  a 
longer  distance,  then  go  through  the  same  move- 
ments, and  in  the  majority  of  cases  they  usually 
get  worse  until  they  wabble  all  the  time,  and  some 
of  them  when  down  cannot  get  up  without  help, 
and  soon  die.  I  have  treated  a  great  many  such 
cases.  Keep  the  animal  in  a  loose  box  or  small 
yard,  and  give  it  in  the  early  stage  of  the  disease 
one  dram  of  iodide  of  potassium  night  and  morning 
in  bran  mash;  half  the  quantity  for  a  colt  one  year 
old.  Continue  this  for  one  week,  then  give  a  dram 
of  the  fluid  extract  of  mix  vomica  twice  a  day,  or 


156  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

one  dram  of  the  powdered  nux  vomica  twice  a  day 
for  two  weeks,  then  skip  a  week  and  repeat  if  nec- 
essary; the  medicine  can  be  given  in  bran  mash 
or  oatmeal  gruel.  Also  rub  the  back  and  hips  once 
a  day  with  soap  liniment  for  a  few  days,  and  if  the 
skin  becomes  tender  wait  for  a  few  days  and  begin 
again.    The  majority  of  cases  thus  treated  recover. 

Spasms  and  Convulsions. — Spasms  are  an  invol- 
untary contraction  of  the  muscles,  occurring  inde- 
pendent of  the  will,  and  attended  with  pain.  They 
remain  for  a  long  time  or  pass  off  suddenly.  I  have 
seen  cramps  of  the  muscles  of  the  stifle  last  for 
days,  the  spasm  coming  on  as  soon  as  the  animal 
moved.  Robertson  says  all  these  phenomena  of 
motor  disturbance  are  probably  referable  to  inter- 
ference with  some  portion  or  other  of  the  nerve 
centers,  this  interference  extending  nearly  to  irri- 
tation, inducing  discharges  of  nerve  force,  not 
reaching  the  extent  of  destruction  of  nerve  tissue. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  is  seized  with  a  cramp 
or  spasm  in  some  of  its  muscles,  and  for  the  time 
is  unable  to  move  them.  It  may  pass  off  in 
a  few  minutes,  not  to  return,  or  it  may  remain  for 
a  long  time. 

Treatment:  In  cases  where  it  does  not  pass 
off  quickly,  give  the  animal  a  dose  of  physic; 
for  the  horse,  aloes  one  ounce,  one  ounce  of  carbon- 
ate of  soda,  and  one  ounce  ground  ginger,  dissolved 
in  half  a  pint  of  boiling  water;  add  half  a  pint  of 
cold  water,  and  give  at  one  dose.  Follow  this,  by 
giving  two  ounces  bromide  of  potassium  in  bran 
mash  three  times  a  day  for  a  few  days.    Rub  the 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  157 

affected  muscles  twice  daily  with  a  little  soap  lini- 
ment. 

Pkrenitis  (Inflammation  of  tt<-  Brain). — This  is 
at  first  congestive,  subsequently  inflammatory.  It 
is  known  as  "Phrensy,"  and  is  usually  caused  by  in- 
juries or  a  too  plethoric  state  of  the  system.  It  is 
often  prevalent  in  very  hot  weather. 

Symptoms :  The  congestive  state  is  stupor,  slow 
pulse,  respirations  slow  and  rough.  The  mem- 
branes of  the  nose  and  eyes  are  very  red,  and  the 
animal  seems  "foolish."  Soon  fever  sets  in  with  a 
full,  fast  pulse,  fast  breathing,  a  wild,  staring  con- 
dition of  the  eyes.  The  ox  bellows  and  charges  at 
all  available  objects.  The  horse  strikes  with  his 
fore  feet,  and  in  some  cases  will  tear  anything 
within  reach  with  its  teeth,  and  it  is  dangerous  to 
go  near  him.  As  the  disease  advances  there  are 
convulsions,  with  more  or  less  loss  of  power,  and 
the  animal  may  fall.  "There  is  a  want  of  method 
in  the  fury  of  a  phrenitic  ox  not  discernible  in  that 
of  a  rabid  one."  Later,  paralysis  sets  in,  soon  fol- 
lowed by  death. 

Treatment:  As  soon  as  possible  secure  the  ani- 
mal and  bleed  if  necessary  from  both  jugular  veins 
from  six  to  ten  quarts;  this  will  relieve  the  pres- 
sure on  the  brain.  Apply  ice  or  very  cold  water 
to  the  head  and  give  a  strong  dose  of  cathartic 
medicine,  one  and  one-half  pounds  Epsom  salts  for 
the  ox  and  one  ounce  aloes  and  one  dram  of  calomel 
for  the  horse.  Also  give  tincture  of  aconite  in 
doses  of  twenty  to  thirty  drops  every  two  hours  in 
a  little  water.    When  it  is  difficult  to  give  bulky 


158  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

physic  give  from  ten  to  fifteen  drops  of  croton  oil 
in  a  little  linseed  or  castor  oil ;  this  can  be  repeated 
in  twenty- four  hours  if  needed.  Thi£  disease  is  dis- 
tinguished from  impaction  of  the  stomach  by  the 
greater  acuteness  of  the  symptoms,  the  history  of 
the  case,  and  acute  fever. 

Megrims. — This  may  be  caused  by  congestion  of 
the  brain  or  not  enough  blood  to  it.  The  ordinary 
form  of  Megrims  (blind  staggers)  is  a  peculiar  de- 
ranged state  of  the  nerves  of  the  brain  or  the  brain 
itself,  although  some  cases  of  staggers  are  caused 
by  small,  ill-fitting  collars,  which  often  obstruct 
the  flow  of  blood  in  the  veins  of  the  neck,thus  caus- 
ing passive  congestion  of  the  brain,  which  is  re- 
lieved by  removing  the  collar.  Defective  action  of 
the  heart  will  sometimes  cause  dizziness  or  stag- 
gers from  want  of  sufficient  blood  to  the  brain.  Be- 
sides these  causes  there  is  a  disturbance  of  the 
brain  not  well  understood  which  is  the  most  com- 
mon cause  of  the  Megrims. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  stops,  shakes  its  head, 
throwing  it  upward  and  backward,  braces  its  legs, 
staggers,  and  falls.  The  eyes  are  staring  and  the 
nostrils  dilated,  and  the  breathing  may  be  rough; 
the  animal  gives  a  few  convulsive  struggles,  gets 
on  its  feet,  shakes  itself,  and  goes  on  as  if  nothing 
had  happened.  I  have  known  horses  affected  in 
this  way  every  time  they  were  driven  facing  the 
sun.  The  sunlight,  I  think,  caused  irritation  in 
some  way  affecting  the  brain. 

Treatment:  There  is  no  cure  for  this  disease.  If 
the  animal  falls,  slacken  the  harness  and  let  the 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  159 

head  lie  flat.  If  there  is  cold  water  near  at  hand, 
that  can  be  dashed  over  the  head  and  neck;  in  a 
minute  or  two  the  animal  will  be  all  right.  I  have 
found  the  attacks  fewer  when  the  animal  got  a 
dose  of  physic  occasionally;  aloes  is  the  best 

Congestion  of  the  Brain. — This  is  usually  caused 
from  injuries,  such  as  the  animal  striking  its  head 
hard  against  the  top  of  a  door  as  in  coming  out  or 
going  into  a  car.  I  have  seen  several  cases  of  this 
kind,  and  they  may  be  severe  enough  to  cause  rup- 
ture of  some  of  the  blood  vessels  of  the  brain,  when 
a  clot  forms  causing  pressure  on  the  brain,  or  a  por- 
tion of  the  brain  only  may  be  congested.  Conges- 
tion sometimes  takes  place  without  any  apparent 
cause. 

Symptoms :  The  animal  hangs  its  head,  the  eyes 
are  wholly  or  partially  closed,  the  breathing  is 
slow  and  oppressed,  and  in  some  cases  it  may  be 
loud  and  rough.  If  the  animal's  head  is  raised, 
it  will  throw  it  into  spasms  for  a  few  minutes,  but 
soon  gets  back  to  the  sleepy  state,  and  if- it  does  not 
turn  into  inflammation,  the  animal  will  likely  die 
in  a  comatose  state,  or  there  may  be  a  few  convul- 
sions before  death.  Cattle  in  this  condition  will 
stand  for  hours  with  their  heads  pressed  hard 
against  something. 

Treatment:  Give  a  large  dose  of  physic,  one 
ounce  of  aloes  and  two  drams  of  calomel,  made  in- 
to a  ball  for  the  horse,  and  one  and  one-half  pounds 
Epsom  salts  for  cattle.  Place  ice  bags  to  the  back 
of  the  head. 

Sunstroke. — Sunstroke  is  a  name  given  to  affec- 


160  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

tions  caused  by  exhaustion  and  exposure  to  the  hot 
sun.  The  great  heat  and  the  exhaustion  from  fast 
driving,  or  hard,  slow  work  continued  for  a  long 
time  in  a  hot  afternoon  heats  the  body  of  the  ani- 
mal to  such  an  extent  as  to  destroy  the  nerve  tissue, 
so  that  it  does  not  perform  its  function,  resulting 
in  congestion  of  the  brain  or  cord,  or  the  heart  it- 
self may  be  the  part  most  affected,  or  the  blood  may 
become  changed.  In  some  cases  the  whole  super- 
ficial circulation  is  stopped. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  begins  to  lag  behind 
and  stagger  along  for  a  few  yards,  then  falls  to 
the  ground  in  an  unconscious  state.  The  breathing 
is  noisy  and  the  pulse  is  small,  slow  and  irregular, 
and  sweat  may  break  out  in  patches  on  the  body. 
The  animal  may  die  in  a  few  minutes.  In  some 
cases  which  are  not  so  severe  the  animal  becomes 
used  up,  staggers  in  walking,  breathing  fast,  eyes 
half  closed  and  watery,  nostrils  dilated.  The  pulse 
is  rapid  and  weak,  and  if  pushed  on  in  this  condi- 
tion will  soon  fall  unconscious. 

Treatment:  On  a  very  hot  day  a  horse  at  work 
should  be  rested  often  and  given  a  drink  of  water, 
and  if  it  should  show  any  signs  of  lagging  it  should 
be  stopped  at  once  and  taken  to  a  cool  place,  and 
if  possible  be  given  a  stimulant,  half  a  pint  of 
whisky  in  a  little  water,  or  two  ounces  of  aromatic 
spirits  of  ammonia  in  half  a  pint  of  cold  water,  and 
not  put  to  work  for  several  hours.  In  bad  cases 
where  the  animal  falls  unconscious,  it  should  get 
one  of  the  above  stimulants.  I  find  the  best  and 
surest  method  is  not  only  to  apply  water  to  the 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  161 

head  and  spine,  but  to  every  part  of  the  body. 
Either  turn  on  the  hose  or  keep  two  men  steady 
throwing  cold  water,  and  keep  it  up  until  the  ani- 
mal either  dies  or  gets  better.  I  have  continued 
applying  the  cold  water  to  all  parts  of  the  body  for 
ten  hours,  and  saved  an  animal  that  was  to  all  ap- 
pearance beyond  recovery.  This  cools  the  tissue  of 
the  body,  and  if  it  has  not  been  destroyed  beyond 
repair  the  animal  will  likely  recover.  The  stim- 
ulant should  be  given  every  hour,  half  a  pint  of 
good  whisky  in  a  little  water  or  two  ounces  of  aro- 
matic spirits  of  ammonia  in  half  a  pint  of  cold 
water.  When  the  animal  recovers  it  should  not 
be  put  to  work  for  several  weeks,  and  should  get 
one  dram  of  sulphate  of  iron  in  the  morning,  and 
two  drams  of  nitrate  of  potassium  in  the  evening, 
good  hay  and  oats  and  plenty  of  cold  water,  all  of 
which  will  assist  in  restoring  the  deranged  tissue 
of  the  body. 

Cerebro-Spinal  Meningitis. — This  is  an  inflam- 
mation of  the  coverings  of  the  brain  and  spinal 
cord. 

Causes:  Injuries  of  various  kinds,  exposures  to 
cold  and  damp  when  an  animal  is  in  an  exhausted 
state  from  over-driving.  Sometimes  outbreaks 
of  this  disease  take  place,  and  it  is  very  difficult 
to  determine  the  cause.  It  was  thought  when  it 
broke  out  in  large  stables  in  cities  it  was  caused 
from  bad  air,  but  I  have  seen  an  outbreak  in  the 
country  while  the  horses  were  at  pasture  and  in 
perfect  health  until  the  disease  appeared.     One 


162  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

animal  only  may  be  affected,  or  a  number  at  the 
same  time. 

The  first  symptoms  noticed  is  the  animal  is  stiff 
in  its  movements,  especially  the  hind  legs.  Then 
the  muscles  in  all  parts  of  the  body,  and  if  the 
animal  is  made  to  move  will  stagger  and  may  fall, 
and  not  be  able  to  rise  without  assistance,  and  may 
not  be  able' to  stand  when  it  is  raised  up;  the  appe- 
tite is  lost,  there  is  high  fever,  pulse  seventy-five  to 
ninety,  temperature  one  hundred  and  five  to  one 
hundred  and  six.  Paralysis  of  different  parts  of 
the  body,  the  power  to  swallow  is  wholly  or  par- 
tially lost,  the  eyesight  impaired.  If  the  head  of 
the  animal  is  elevated  at  this  stage  it  is  usually 
thrown  into  convulsions  or  delirium.  If  the  ani- 
mal is  lying  down  it  will  go  through  a  series  of  au- 
tomatic movements  and  will  clash  its  head.  On  the 
other  hand  coma  may  take  place,  and  if  the  animal 
is  not  moved  will  lie  perfectly  still.  The  animal 
usually  dies  in  two  or  three  days. 

Treatment:  Put  the  animal  in  slings  as  soon  as 
noticed,  and  give  aloes  one  ounce,  carbonate  of  soda 
one  ounce,  ginger  one  ounce;  dissolve  in  half  a 
pint  of  hot  water,  add  half  a  pint  of  cold,  and  give 
at  one  dose.  Also  give  an  ounce  nitrate  of  potas- 
sium in  the  drinking  water  twice  a  day.  If  the 
animal  is  suffering  give  two  drains  extract  of  bel- 
ladonna every  four  hours.  If  the  animal  is  unable 
to  stand  and  is  wild  with  delirium,  treatment  is  of 
no  use.  I  have  never  seen  any  good  results  from 
applying  cold  water  or  ice  to  the  head.     It  is  rec- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  163 

ommended  to  give  one  quarter  of  a  grain  of  sul- 
phate of  atropia  injected  under  the  skin  to  stimu- 
late the  heart.  Aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia  in 
two-ounce  doses  has  also  been  used,  or  one-half 
pint  doses  of  whisky,  but  I  have  never  seen  any 
good  result  from  their  use.  There  is  a  derange- 
ment which  sometimes  affects  colts  at  pasture. 
The  first  thing  noticed  is  a  stiffness  in  the  hind 
parts,  then  the  animal  loses  partial  control  of 
them;  they  will  stagger  from  side  to  side.  The 
animal  seems  to  eat  and  has  no  fever.  This  may 
continue  for  a  week  or  ten  days,  when  the  animal 
either  begins  to  improve  or  loses  complete  power 
of  its  hind  parts,  and  often  in  a  few  days  dies. 
When  this  is  first  noticed  the  animal  should  be 
taken  to  the  barn  and  given  a  dose  of  aloes  accord- 
ing to  the  age,  a  one-year-old  four  drams,  a  two- 
year-old  six  drams,  a  four  or  five-year-old  one 
ounce,  made  into  a  ball,  or  mixed  with  one  ounce 
carbonate  of  soda  and  ginger  dissolved  in  half  a 
pint  of  boiling  water;  add  half  a  pint  of  cold  water, 
and  give  at  a  dose.  Follow  this  by  giving  two 
ounces  sulphate  of  iron  and  one  ounce  nux  vomica, 
divided  into  twelve  doses,  one  to  be  given  twice  a 
day  in  bran  mash.  Rub  the  back  once  a  day  with 
soap  liniment.  I  have  met  with  a  few  cases  in  both 
horses  and  colts  in  which  the  nerves  of  the  back 
were  deranged  sufficiently  to  make  the  hind  parts 
wabble.  The  animal  may  walk  a  short  distance 
as  if  it  were  all  right,  and  all  at  once  the  hind  parts 
will  be  affected  as  above.     This  derangement  is  not 


164  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

dangerous  to  life,  and  the  majority  are  cured  by 
giving  one  dram  of  mix  vomica  in  the  morning  and 
a  teaspoonf  ul  of  phosphate  of  calcium  in  the  even- 
ing in  bran  mash.  The  muscles  of  the  loins  should 
be  rubbed  once  daily  with  a  little  soap  liniment. 

Local  Paralysis. — This  is  usually  caused  by  di- 
rect violence  or  from  pressure  on  a  nerve.  The 
most  common  part  affected  in  horses  with  this 
kind  of  paralysis  is  the  face,  wThich  is  very  often 
caused  by  the  animal  getting  cast  and  the  halter 
drawn  tight  around  the  back  of  the  ears  under  the 
throat,  pressing  on  the  facial  nerves  as  they  turn 
over  the  jaw  bones.  As  a  result,  this  injury  or  pres- 
sure kept  up  for  several  hours  causes  paralysis  of 
these  nerves,  and  as  a  result  the  lips  and  sometimes 
the  tongue  hang  to  one  side  and  may  interfere 
with  the  animal's  eating,  and  gives  it  an  unsightly 
appearance. 

Treatment:  Bathe  all  the  bruised  parts  with 
acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce,  water  one  quart. 
Give  a  dose  of  aloes  to  the  horse  and  Epsom  salts 
to  cattle;  follow  this  by  giving  one  dram  iodide 
of  potassium  twice  a  dayv  in  a  mash  for  two  weeks. 
This  will  remove  any  effusion  of  blood  which  may 
have  been  effused  around  the  nerve,  and  also  give 
time  for  nature  to  heal  the  parts  and  probably 
restore  the  wounded  nerve  to  its  natural  condition ; 
and  if  the  animal  is  not  cured  give  it  one  dram 
mix  vomica  in  the  morning  and  one  and  one-half 
drams  of  sulphate  of  iron  in  the  evening  in  bran 
mash,  and  continue  it  for  three  or  four  weeks.    If 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATT^r,.  165 

this  does  not  cure  it  try  Fowler's  solution  of  ar- 
senic in  two  tablespoonful  doses  twice  daily  in  the 
feed,  and  continue  it  for  one  month. 

Tetanus,  or  Lockjaw. — This  is  a  disease  char- 
acterized    by     involuntary     and     painful     con- 
tinued   contractions    of    the    muscles,    usually 
caused     by     an     injury      or      operation.       The 
nature    of    this     disease    is    not    well     under- 
stood,    but     it     must     be     from     some  morbid 
agent  finding  its  way  into  the  animaPs  system 
through  the  wound,  but  of  what  nature  we  are  not 
sure,  as  post-mortems  reveal  no  distinct  lesion. 
There  are  two  forms  of  lockjaw.    One  called  idio- 
pathic, which  arises  from  some  internal  cause,  or 
at  least  we  cannot  find  an  external  cause.      The 
other    is    called   traumatic    tetanus,    caused    by 
wounds  or  injuries.    Punctures  to  the  feet  by  nails 
is  a  very  common  cause,  and  operations  on  the  tail. 
It  is  impossible  to  say  what  kind  of  a  horse  is  most 
subject  to  this  disease,  or  what  state  of  the  system 
most  favorable  to  it,  as  it  may  happen  to  any  kind 
of  a  horse  from  very  slight  injury,  while  another 
horse  may  be  very  badly    smashed    up  and  yet 
escape. 

Symptoms  of  lockjaw:  It  may  begin  in  any 
group  of  muscles,  but  usually  it  is  either  the  mus- 
cles of  the  jaws  or  the  muscles  of  the  neck,  loins, 
or  hind  legs.  If  it  is  the  jaws  there  will  be  a  champ- 
ing of  the  teeth,  with  a  flow  of  saliva  from  the 
mouth;  the  animal  will  try  to  eat,  but  cannot,  al- 
though it  may  be  able  to  drink  water.  If  it  is  the 
neck,  the  animal  if  moved  will  bend  its  body,  but 


166  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

keep  its  neck  straight,  and  if  you  notice,  the  mem- 
brane of  the  eye  will  be  drawn  partially  over  it, 
and  the  nose  poked  out  straight,  and  the  ears 
pricked  up  inward  and  backward.  If  it  is  affect- 
ing the  muscles  of  the  loins  and  legs  the  first  thing 
noticed  will  be  the  stiffness  of  the  animal's  move- 
ments, and  the  hind  legs  bent  outward.  In  some 
cases  when  first  noticed  all  the  muscles  of  the  body 


PLATE  3.     ADVANCED  STAGE  OF  LOCK-JAW. 

will  be  affected,  and  if  not  at  first,  if  not  relieved, 
will  soon  be. 

Treatment:  Put  the  animal  in  a  dark,  quiet 
place,  and  see  that  no  one  goes  near  him  but  the 
attendant.  I  have  found  it  best  in  the  majority  of 
the  cases  if  the  horse  had  a  mate  to  let  it  stay  with 
it,  as  the  sick  animal  would  be  quieter.  The  bro- 
mide of  potassium,  if  enough  can  be  given,  will 
cure  the  majority  of  cases.  Give  two  ounces  at  a 
dose  four  times  a  day  in  a  little  bran  mash,  thin 
gruel,  or  water.  Continue  this  until  the  spasms 
relax.     I  have  given  as  much  as  three  pounds  be- 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  167 

fore  I  accomplished  this.  I  gave  a  nine-months' 
old  colt  two  and  one-half  pounds,  so  there  is  no 
danger  of  giving  it  in  large  doses.  If  the  animal 
has  lost  the  power  of  swallowing  it  is  best  to  put  it 
out  of  pain.  The  injecting  of  three  grains  of  eser- 
ine  under  the  skin  is  said  to  be  useful  in  some  few 
cases,  but  I  have  never  seen  any  benefit  from  its 
use.  Since  I  have  discovered  the  bromide  treat- 
ment, and  the  animal  can  swallow,  I  have  saved  all 
cases.  If  possible  the  animal  should  be  placed  in 
a  loose  sling.  By  this  means  it  may  be  prevented 
from  falling  during  the  severe  seizure.  Applica- 
tions to  the  external  surface  of  the  body  seem  to 
be  of  little  use,  but  rather  augment  the  animal's 
suffering.  The  wound  ought  to  be  cleaned  out  and 
belladonna  extract  applied,  but  I  find  in  most 
cases  that  the  lifting  of  the  limb  to  dress  it  causes 
more  disturbance  than  the  benefit  resulting  from 
the  treatment.  Where  the  majority  fail  is  in  not 
giving  a  sufficient  quantity  of  medicine,  as  it  takes 
at  least  five  times  the  usual  dose  to  have  any  effect. 
I  believe  if  other  medicines  recommended  were 
given  in  sufficient  doses  they  might  be  of  use, 

Azoturia. — This  is  a  name  given  to  a  disease  pe- 
culiar to  the  horse,  as  it  has  not  been  seen  in  any 
other  animal.  It  is  a  disease  associated  with  dis- 
turbed assimilation  and  characterized  by  muscu- 
lo-nervous  spasms  of  the  muscles  of  the  hips  and 
loins  and  the  discharge  of  high-colored  urine.  We 
will  not  take  up  the  reader's  time  with  the  pathol- 
ogy of  the  disease,  as  to  my  mind  it  has  not  been 


168  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

fully  made  out  what  it  really  is;  but  we  do  know 
the  cause,  prevention  and  remedy. 

Causes:  The  horse  has  been  at  hard  work,  and 
for  some  cause  or  other  it  has  stopped  for  a  few 
days,  but  has  been  standing  in  the  stable  getting 
its  full  allowance  of  food,  which  seems  to  have 
some  effect  in  producing  the  spasms  above  men- 
tioned as  soon  as  the  animal  is  put  to  work. 

Symptoms:  After  the  animal  is  brought  out  of 
the  stable  it  will  be  in  high  spirits;  in  some  cases 
it  is  difficult  to  hold  it  after  going  a  short  distance; 
or  it  may  be  in  some  cases  that  the  animal  may  be 
driven  for  several  miles  before  it  shows  any  symp- 
toms, but  usually  it  is  only  a  short  distance  be- 
fore the  animal  seems  to  hang  back  and  show  stiff- 
ness in  its  hind  parts;  it  will  then  break  out  in  a 
profuse  sweat  and  seem  to  be  in  great  pain,  and  if 
driven  on  will  likely  fall  and  be  unable  to  rise;  the 
muscles  of  the  loins  and  hips  swell  and  become  as 
hard  as  a  board,  and  the  animal  has  no  control  over 
them,  and  is  therefore  unable  to  rise;  it  will  show 
symptoms  of  pain  by  the  movements  of  its  forelegs 
and  by  dashing  its  head  about,  and  it  can  usually 
neither  pass  feces  nor  urine.  It  breathes  fast  and 
hard,  and  the  pulse  will  be  fast  and  full  and  the 
temperature  high,  from  one  hundred  and  four  to 
one  hundred  and  five.  There  is  no  other  disease^ 
that  can  be  mistaken  for  this  one,  and  as  the  dis- 
ease is  a  nervous  one  I  treat  it  as  such,  and  if  the 
animal  is  attended  to  soon  will  always  recover. 
As  soon  as  a  horse  shows  signs  of  stiffness  on  be- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  169 

ing  driven  or  worked  after  standing  in  the  stable 
for  a  few  days,  it  should  be  stopped  at  once,  even 
if  it  is  in  the  middle  of  the  street.  If  this  is  done 
the  disease  will  not  progress  any  further.  This  is 
a  peculiarity  of  this  disease  that  it  requires  move- 
ment to  develop  it.  Allow  the  animal  to  stand  for 
an  hour  or  two,  then  move  it,  and  if  it  is  still  stiff 
it  will  then  be  necessary  to  give  it  some  medicine, 
but  in  the  majority  of  cases  it  will  move  off  in 
pretty  good  shape.  In  bad  cases,  when  the  animal 
is  down,  give  it  two  ounces  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre 
and  one  ounce  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia  in  a 
pint  of  cold  water,  and  repeat  it  every  half  hour 
until  four  doses  have  been  given.  In  mild  cases, 
if  necessary,  give  this  as  an  antispasmodic  to  re- 
lieve the  spasms  of  the  muscles,  and  a  stimulant 
to  the  nerves,  put  a  newly  flayed  sheep  skin  on  the 
loins  and  hips,  the  flesh  side  next  the  skin  of  the 
horse;  this  will  produce  a  great  heat,  which  will 
give  relief.  If  this  cannot  be  obtained  blankets 
wrung  out  of  boiling  water  should  be  put  on  the 
loins  and  kept  there  by  dry  ones  on  top.  Change 
every  twenty  minutes  and  continue  it  for  several 
hours,  and  to  be  of  any  use  it  requires  to  be  done 
well.  If  it  is  impossible  to  do  this  the  back  may 
be  rubbed  with  compound  soap  liniment  three 
times  a  day  and  a  blanket  put  on;  the  bowels 
should  be  emptied  by  injections  of  warm  water 
and  soap,  and  the  urine  drawn  off  with  a  cathetef . 
If  the  animal  is  thirsty  give  it  all  the  cold  water  it 
wants.  Half  an  ounce  of  nitrate  of  potassium  can 
be  dissolved  in  it  if  the  animal  will  take  it.     It  is 


170  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

recommended  to  give  a  strong  dose  of  aloes  in  this 
disease,  but  by  the  treatment  above  the  animal 
ought  to  be  on  its  feet  before  the  aloes  could  have 
any  effect.  If  the  horse  shows  any  signs  of  stiff- 
ness or  drags  the  leg  or  legs,  give  one  dram  of  the 
fluid  extract  of  mix  vomica  in  a  little  water,  or  one 
dram  of  the  powder  in  the  feed,  two  or  three  times 
a  day  for  a  week.  If  the  muscles  of  any  part  of 
the  hips  or  legs  should  waste  rub  on  a  little  of  the 
following  ointment:  Cantharides  two  drams,  vase- 
line one  and  one-half  ounces.  Apply  once  a  week 
and  give  gentle  exercise.  To  prevent  the  disease, 
if  the  animal  is  to  be  idle  for  a  few  days,  give  it  less 
food,  or  see  that  it  is  exercised  every  day  and  there 
will  be  no  danger  of  this  disease.  Mares  seem  to 
be  more  subject  to  this  disease  than  horses.  Ten 
mares  are  probably  affected  with  it  to  one  horse. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  171 


CHAPTER  XL 

INFLUENZA  (EPIZOOTIC  OR  CATARRHAL  FEVER). 

Influenza  is  a  specific  disease  of  the  horse,  usu- 
ally appearing  as  an  epizootic,  affecting  the  mu- 
cous membrane  of  the  air  passages  and  sometimes 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  eyelids,  giving  rise 
to  the  term  "Pink-eye,"  or  affecting  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  intestines,  causing  colic  or  inflam- 
mation of  the  bowels.  This  disease  is  attended 
with  marked  lassitude  and  prostration,  and  usu- 
ally appears  in  the  spring  or  fall  months,  affecting 
a  few  animals  or  all  the  horses  in  a  district  If  a 
horse  affected  by  it  is  put  into  a  stable  of  healthy 
horses,  in  a  short  time  a  number  of  them  will  be 
taken  ill,  or  it  may  be  all  the  horses  in  the  stable 
will  be  seized  with  it.  The  cause  of  influenza  is 
supposed  to  be  a  vegetable  fungus,  as  such  has 
been  found  in  the  discharges  from  the  nose.  The 
causes  are  thought  to  be  the  condition  of  the  at- 
mosphere, or  the  animal  being  exposed  to  cold.  In 
the  Spring  and  Fall,  when  the  horse  is  changing  its 
coat  and  the  pores  of  the  skin  are  open,  the  horse 
is  more  liable  to  colds.  If  the  animal  is  exposed  to 
the  cold  winds  and  rains  it  will  likely  cause  a  dis- 
ease which  resembles  influenza ;  but  we  find  when 
there  is  an  epizootic  of  it  that  horses  which  are  well 
kept  will  take  it  as  readily  as  those  exposed,  and 


172  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

on  that  account  it  seems  as  if  the  fungus  were  the 
cause.  Influenza  usually  runs  its  course  in  two 
weeks  to  twenty  days,  and  in  the  majority  of  cases 
if  the  horse  is  not  worked  and  carefully  nursed  it 
will  recover  without  any  medicine. 

Symptoms:  There  is  sneezing,  a  short,  trouble- 
some cough,  redness  and  dryness  of  the  membrane 
of  the  nose,  the  eyelids  are  inflamed,  and  there  will 
be  tears  trickling  over  the  face;  the  pulse  is  fre- 
quent and  weak,  and  the  animal  does  not  want  to 
move.  In  a  day  or  two  there  will  be  a  discharge 
from  the  nose,  at  first  watery,  then  a  yellow  mat- 
ter. The  cough,  which  comes  on  in  paroxysms  or 
fits,  increases  in  depth.  The  animal  keeps  its  head 
down  and  its  nose  protruded.  If  the  throat  is  sort- 
it  will  have  difficulty  in  swallowing  water  or  food. 
In  bad  cases  part  of  the  food  and  water  will  be 
ejected  through  the  nose.  In  some  cases  the  eye- 
lids will  swell  and  close  the  eyes,  and  on  lifting  up 
the  eyelid  it  will  be  found  very  red;  in  this  case  it 
is  called  "Pink  Eye."  If  the  fever  is  high  and  the 
pulse  from  seventy  to  eighty  and  the  temperature 
one  hundred  and  six,  the  horse  is  in  a  dangerous 
condition  and  requires  to  be  carefully  looked  after. 
In  the  majority  of  bad  cases  all  the  cellular  tissue 
under  the  skin  is  affected  and  there  will  be  more 
or  loss  swelling  of  the  legs  and  under  the  belly; 
the  bowels  are  usually  constipated  and  the  urine 
scanty  and  high  colored.  About  the  end  of  the 
first  week  a  change  takes  place,  the  discharge  from 
the  nose  is  increased  and  thicker,  and  the  cough 
softer  and  not  so  distressing,  the  pulse  is  less  fre- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  173 

quent  and  stronger,  the  animal  moves  about  in  his 
stall,  drinks  with  more  ease,  and  the  appetite  is 
better,  and  if  no  complications  take  place  the 
horse  makes  a  rapid  recovery.  On  the  other  hand, 
if  the  breathing  becomes  rough,  fast,  and  labored, 
there  is  swelling  about  the  throat,  and  on  putting 
the  ear  to  the  windpipe  a  rough,  harsh  sound  is 
heard,  laryngitis,  or,  it  may  be,  bronchitis,  has 
taken  place,  or  lung  fever,  inflammation  of  the 
bowels,  rheumatism,  or  heart  failure.  Any  of 
these  complications  taking  place  will  retard  recov- 
ery or  may  cause  death,  and  should  be  carefully 
guarded  against. 

Treatment :  Give  complete  rest  in  all  cases.  If 
the  appetite  is  good,  give  bran  mash  night  and 
morning  with  a  tablespoonful  of  ground  ginger, 
two  ounces  Epsom  salts,  and  half  an  ounce  of  ni- 
trate of  potassium.  Clothe  the  body  and  bandage 
the  legs,  give  all  the  cold  water  the  animal  wants 
to  drink  and  any  kind  of  food  it  will  eat.  If  the 
cough  is  troublesome  put  a  piece  of  camphor  about 
the  size  of  a  walnut  in  a  pail  of  boiling  water  and 
hold  the  horse's  head  over  it  for  fifteen  to  twenty 
minutes  at  a  time;  this  should  be  done  several 
times  a  day.  Also  give  a  teaspoonful  of  fluid  ex- 
tract of  belladonna  and  a  teaspoonful  of  chlorate 
of  potassium  dissolved  in  half  a  pint  of  water  and 
gargle  the  throat.  If  this  does  not  relieve  the 
cough,  give  one  dram  of  opium  and  one  dram  of 
camphor,  made  into  a  ball,  three  times  daily,  or 
give  one  ounce  compound  syrup  of  squills  at  a  dose 
three  times  a  day.     If  the  animal  is  weak  and  does 


174  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

not  eat,  give  one  ounce  each  of  tincture  of  ginger, 
gentian  and  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  in  a  half  pint  of 
cold  water  three  times  a  day.  Half  ounce  doses  of 
nitrate  of  potassium  should  be  given  once  or  twice 
daily  in  the  drinking  water.  Never  give  tincture 
of  aconite,  as  it  is  dangerous  medicine  to  give  in 
this  form  of  disease.  After  the  acute  stage  has 
passed  give  sulphate  of  iron  and  gentian,  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  the  former  and  a  tablespoonful  of  the 
latter,  in  a  bran  mash  or  a  quart  of  oatmeal  gruel. 
The  animal  should  now  get  a  little  exercise,  but  no 
work  until  fully  recovered.  If  the  throat  is  sore 
rub  on  a  little  mustard  once  a  day  for  a  few  days, 
and  steam  with  the  hot  water  and  camphor  at  least 
three  times  a  day.  If  bronchitis  or  lung  fever  sets 
in,  the  above  treatment  in  the  majority  of  cases 
will  be  the  best.  In  addition,  apply  a  cantha- 
ridine  blister  to  the  sides,  made  of  cantharides, 
two  drams;  lard  three  ounces.  Rub  in  well  with  the 
fingers.  This  is  sometimes  a  great  benefit.  Phys- 
ics should  not  be  given,  but  if  the  bowels  are  con- 
fined give  injections  of  warm  water.  If  rheuma- 
tism sets  in,  and  the  joints  swell  and  the  animal  is 
very  lame,  blister  with  cantharides  as  above,  and 
give  one  dram  of  iodide  of  potassium  twice  a  day 
in  the  drinking  water,  or  give  two  tablespoonfuls 
of  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  twice  a  day  in  bran 
mash. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  175 


CHAPTER  XII. 

DISTEMPER   (STRANGLES). 

This  is  a  disease  peculiar  to  the  horse,  and  it  is 
likely  that  it  will  be  affected  with  it  some  time, 
but  seldom  gets  out  of  its  colthood  days  without 
getting  it.  It  is  therefore  called  "colt  ill."  It  is 
contagious  and  can  be  carried  on  the  clothes  of  a 
person  from  one  barn  to  another.  It  may  break 
out  in  a  stable  and  no  other  cases  in  the  neighbor- 
hood. The  contagion  may  have  been  brought  in 
some  unknown  way,  or  I  have  no  doubt  but  under 
certain  conditions  it  will  develop  in  a  colt  or  horse 
that  has  not  been  exposed  to  the  disease.  A  horse 
seldom  takes  this  disease  twice,  and  it  runs  a  defi- 
nite course.  It  is  dangerous  when  checked  or 
interfered  with,  and  is  successfully  treated  when 
correctly  guided  to  its  natural  termination.  Some 
seasons  the  outbreak  is  of  a  very  mild  character, 
in  others  it  may  take  on  a  malignant  form  and  a 
number  of  animals  may  die.  There  is  no  account- 
ing for  this.  Although  a  good  many  theories  have 
been  brought  forward,  none  is  satisfactory. 

Symptoms:  There  are  signs  of  catarrh,  the  ani- 
mal is  dull,  has  a  cough,  and  when  it  swallows 
makes  a  peculiar  sound  in  its  throat.  There  is 
soreness  in  the  throat  and  some  of  the  water  it 
may  be  drinking  will  come  back:  through  its  nose; 


176  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

the  bead  is  poked  out,  a  little  frothy  saliva  exudes 
from  its  mouth,  sooner  or  later  there  will  appear 
a  swelling  between  the  jaws,  or  sometimes  at  the 
back  of  the  jaw;  when  this  takes  place  the  animal 
has  great  difficulty  in  swallowing  water  and  food, 
especially  t  he  former.  In  some  cases  there  is  very 
little  fever  and  the  appetite  remains  good.  In 
others  there  may  he  considerable  fever,  pulse  sixty 
to  seventy.  In  the  course  of  a  few  days  the  inflam- 
mation relieves  itself  in  the  formation  of  matter, 
which  will  soon  come  to  the  surface  and  break  of 
its  own  accord  if  not  opened.  After  this  takes 
place  the  animal  is  much  relieved.  Cases  may  be 
met  with  where  a  small  abscess  may  form  and  the 
animal  may  show  no  other  symptoms;  this  soon 
breaks,  discharges  and  heals.  In  others,  although 
not  very  sick,  the  condition  of  ill  health  may  con- 
tinue for  several  weeks,  and  finally  an  abscess  ap- 
pears, matures,  and  the  animal  soon  recovers. 
Again,  others  may  swell  in  the  inside  and  suffer 
great  distress  and;may  suffocate.  Irregular  stran* 
gles  is  where  abscesses  form  in  other  parts  of  the 
body,  such  as  on  the  shoulders,  hips,  flank,  side  of 
the  neck,  or  back  of  the  elbow;  also  in  the  liver, 
between  the  lungs,  or  in  other  parts.  As  long  as 
the  abscess  forms  on  the  outside  it  is  not  danger- 
ous to  life,  but  those  on  the  internal  organs  usually 
cause  death.  The  sequel  of  distemper  most  fre- 
quently occurring  is  a  thickening  of  the  lining  of 
the  throat,  which  interferes  with  the  animal's 
breathing,  causing  what  is  called  roaring  or  whis- 
tling.   The  more  serious  sequel  is  blood  poisoning 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  177 

from  the  absorption  of  matter  from  the  abscesses 
forming  on  the  internal  organs.  About  the  ninth 
or  tenth  day  the  animal  ought  to  begin  to  improve. 
On  the  other  hand,  if  at  that  time  the  fever  is  in- 
creased, appetite  lost,  breathing  is  fast  and  some- 
what labored,  and  the  temperature  one  hundred 
and  five  to  one  hundred  and  six,  there  is  occasion 
for  alarm,  as  it  indicates  that  something  is  going 
wrong  inwardly. 

Treatment :  In  the  early  stages  of  distemper  put 
the   animal   in   a   warm,   well-ventilated    stable. 
Clothe  the  body  and  bandage   the   legs.     If  the 
throat  is  sore  put  a  piece  of  camphor  gum  into  a 
pail  of  boiling  water  and  put  it  under  the  animal's 
head  and  throw  a  blanket  loosely  over  it  to  keep 
in  the  steam;   continue  this  for  fifteen  to  twenty 
minutes  and  repeat  it  three  times  a  day.     Dissolve 
two  drains  of  chlorate  of  potassium  in  half  a  pint 
of  cold  water  and  put  in  one  teaspoonful  of  the 
fluid  extract  of  belladonna.     Shake  up  and  gargle 
the  throat.  This  is  best  done  by  holding  the  head 
a  little  above  the  level  and  pouring  a  little  into  the 
mouth ;  rub  the  tongue  to  make  the  animal  move  it. 
If  the  animal  coughs,  let  the  head  down  at  once, 
and  after  it  ceases  coughing  pour  in  a  little  more, 
and  so  on  until  it  is  all  used;  do  this  three  times 
a  day.  If  there  is  any  fever  give  half  an  ounce  of 
nitrate  of  potassium  in  its  drinking  water  once 
daily.     Physic  should  not  be  given.     If  the  bowels 
are  confined  give  injections  of  soap  and  warm  wa- 
ter.    If  an  abscess  forms,  poultice  it  with  warm 
linseed  poultice,  changing  it  once  a  day.     When 


178  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

the  abscess  becomes  soft,  open  it  and  inject  a  little 
lot  ion  made  of  carbolic  acid,  half  an  ounce;  water, 
one  pint.  Poultice  for  a  few  days  after  it  breaks, 
to  soften  the  surrounding  parts  so  that  there  will 
be  no  bunch  left  after  it  heals.  After  the  acute 
stage  has  passed  mix  and  divide  into  twTenty-four 
doses,  four  ounces  sulphate  of  iron,  four  ounces 
nitrate  of  potassium,  and  two  ounces  nux  vomica, 
one  to  be  given  twice  a  day  in  bran  mash  mixed 
with  a  little  oats.  If  there  should  be  a  great  dis- 
charge of  matter  from  the  nose  after  the  animal  is 
convalescent,  put  one  ounce  oil  of  turpentine  into 
a  pail  of  boiling  water  and  put  it  under  the  head 
as  above;  do  this  several  times  daily.  If  the  ab- 
scess is  tardy  in  forming,,  rub  on  cantharides,  two 
drams;  vaseline,  one  and  a  half  ounces.  If  the 
glands  of  the  neck  should  remain  enlarged  after 
the  animal  has  recovered,  rub  on  biniodide  of  mer- 
cury, one  dram;  lard,  one  and  a  half  ounces.  Re- 
peat every  second  wTeek.  If  abscesses  form  on 
other  parts  of  the  body  they  should  be  treated  as 
above.  If  the  animal's  appetite  is  poor,  give  one 
ounce  each  of  tincture  of  ginger,  gentian,  and  chlo- 
ride of  iron  in  a  quart  of  oatmeal  gruel  three  times 
a  day.  Give  the  animal  small  quantities  of  food 
at  a  time  and  often,  as  it  wTill  eat  a  little  fresh  hay 
or  oats  when  it  would  refuse  to  eat  that  wThich  was 
in  its  manger. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  179 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

GLANDERS   AND  FARCY. 

Glanders  is  a  malignant  contagious  disease  pe- 
culiar to  the  horse,  but  can  be  produced  in  any  of 
the  warm-blooded  animals  by  inoculation.  It  is 
characterized  by  a  discharge,  usually  from  one  nos- 
tril but  sometimes  from  both.  It  is  watery,  vis- 
cid, or  purulent,  and  of  a  bluish  color;  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  nose  and  the  sinuses  of  the  head, 
the  throat,  windpipe,  and  also  the  lungs  are  speci- 
fically affected.  There  is  usually  an  enlargement 
of  the  lymphatic  glands  under  the  jaw.  Glanders 
is  a  very  old  disease.  The  earliest  notice  of  this 
disease  is  that  by  Aspyrtus,  a  veterinary  officer  in 
the  army  of  Constantine  the  Great  in  the  fourth 
century,  and  also  by  Vigitius.  It  was  described 
by  these  early  writers  on  diseases  of  the  horse  as 
Malleus,  Morbis,  Humidus,  etc.  Glanders  is  a  dis- 
ease of  the  temperate  regions;  it  does  not  exist  in 
Australia  and  some  other  warm  countries,  nor  in 
very  cold  ones,  although  there  are  exceptions.  It 
exists  in  Norway  and  in  Java.  The  cause  of  gland- 
ers in  the  great  majority  of  cases  is  either  by  con- 
tagion or  inoculation,  and  most  cases  can  be  traced. 
On  the  other  hand,  when  a  number  of  horses  have 
been  crowded  together,  as  in  times  of  war,  and 
where  all  the  horses  underwent  such  rigid  inspec- 


180  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

tion  as  to  leave  little  doubt  that  glanders  did  not 
exist,  yet  it  was  not  long  before  glanders  made  its 
appearance.  I  believe  that  a  disease  which  is  pe- 
culiar to  any  class  of  animals  can  be  produced 
spontaneously  if  surrounding  circumstances  are 
favorable  for  its  development.  The  conditions 
which  would  likely  be  most  favorable  to  cause 
glanders  are  badly  ventilated  stables,  such  as  are 
common  in  large  cities,  hard  work  and  poor  food. 
It  is  stated  that  it  has  broken  out  in  stables  which 
have  been  newly  built  and  plastered  and  the  horse 
put  in  before  the  place  was  perfectly  dried.  Dis- 
eases wmich  exhaust  and  depress  the  system  and 
deprive  the  blood  of  its  proper  nutrition,  chronic 
nasal  gleet,  which  runs  down  the  system  of  the 
horse,  may  cause  it.  Farcy  is  the  same  disease  as 
glanders,  only  in  a  milder  form,  and  usually  affects 
the  lymphatic  glands  on  the  inside  of  the  legs, 
which  swell  and  burst  and  discharge  a  matter.  A 
horse  affected  with  farcy  may  give  another  gland- 
ers. 

Symptoms:  The  chronic  form  of  glanders  is 
that  usually  seen  in  this  country.  There  is  a  dis- 
charge from  the  nose  of  a  bluish,  watery,  sticky 
matter,  usually  from  one  nostril.  In  looking  at 
the  membrane  of  the  nose,  sores  will  be  seen  from 
the  size  of  a  pinhead  to  that  of  a  dime;  these  sores 
or  ulcers  are  gray  in  the  center  and  purple  at  the 
edges.  In  the  early  stages  of  this  disease  there 
may  be  no  ulcers  in  view.  It  will  be  necessary  to 
hold  up  the  horse's  head  and  have  the  clear  light 
shown  as  far  up  the  nostril  as  possible,  or  a  re- 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  181 

Sector  may  be  useful.  Some  press  their  fingers 
up  the  nostril  and  feel  for  the  ulcers.  A  chronic 
discharge  from  one  or  both  nostrils  may  not  be  a 
case  of  glanders,  as  that  can  be  produced  either 
from  nasal  gleet  or  a  diseased  tooth,  and  many 
valuable  animals  have  been  destroyed,  when  upon 
examination  after  death  a  decayed  tooth  has  been 
found  to  be  the  cause.  What  we  have  to  look  for 
in  a  case  of  glanders  is  the  glazy,  sticky  discharge 
from  one  nostril,  usually  ulcers  in  the  membrane 
of  the  nose,  and  hard  swellings  of  the  lymphatic 
gland  under  the  jaw,  and  usually  adhering  to  the 
side  of  the  lower  jaw,  and  the  absence  of  any  other 
cause  for  the  discharge.  In  nasal  gleet  the  ani- 
mal should  be  destroyed  in  case  it  should  turn  into 
glanders.  The  animal  is  usually  unthrifty,  the 
coat  is  rough  and  dirty,  and  although  the  animal 
may  eat  well,  it  does  not  keep  in  good  flesh.  I 
have  seen  some  few  cases  in  which  the  animal  was 
to  all  appearance  healthy,  with  a  fine,  sleek  skin. 
Acute  Glanders. — This  is  usually  caused  either 
by  inoculation  with  glandular  matter  from  a 
chronic  case  by  some  of  the  matter  becoming  ab- 
sorbed into  the  blood,  or  a  glandered  horse  may 
Veceive  a  wound  and  some  of  its  own  matter  may 
get  into  it  and  cause  acute  glanders.  The  first 
symptoms  of  acute  glanders  are  shivering  fits,  in- 
dicating great  fever;  these  fits  are  often  persist- 
ent, the  pulse  is  increased  seventy  to  eighty  beats 
per  minute,  the  breathing  is  fast,  and  the  tempera- 
ture rises  rapidly  from  one  hundred  and  six  to  one 
hundred  and  seven;  the  animal  is  in  great  distress, 


182  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

the  membrane  of  the  nose  swells  and  the  animal 
snuffles  or  in  some  cases  nearly  suffocates;  there 
is  rapid  emaciation  and  pimples  appear  on  the 
membrane  of  the  nose,  either  in  groups  or  scat- 
tered ;  they  can  be  distinguished  by  their  grayish 
or  yellowish-gray  center  and  a  red  ring  on  the 
outer  edge.  In  a  few  days  the  centers  drop  out, 
leaving  a  little  pit  with  the  true  characteristics 
of  an  ulcer.  These  ulcers  are  not  disposed  to  heal, 
but  rather  to  spread,  and  become  deep  and  extend 
through  the  septum  nasi  (the  division  between  the 
nostrils).  The  discharge  from  the  nose,  which  at 
first  was  slight,  is  now  profuse  and  may  be  tinged 
with  blood  from  rupture  of  some  of  the  small 
blood-vessels,  caused  by  the  ulcers.  I  have  seen 
some  cases  in  which  the  division  was  completely 
ulcerated  and  destroyed  so  that  there  was  none 
of  it  left.  The  lymphatics  in  all  parts  of  the  body 
become  affected,  the  head,  legs  and  belly  swell, 
and  there  may  be  an  oozing  of  matter  of  a  yellow 
color  from  the  swollen  parts.  The  lungs  become 
involved  and  the  animal  soon  dies.  An  animal 
affected  with  acute  glanders  seldom  lives  more 
than  from  twenty  to  thirty  days.  Farcy  is  the 
name  given  to  glanders  when  it  first  makes  its  ap- 
pearance in  the  legs,  and  may  be  produced  by  inoc- 
ulation with  the  discharge  either  from  glanders 
or  farcy  sores,  or  by  coming  into  contact  with 
horses  affected  with  glanders.  It  may  also  be  pro- 
duced by  an  animal  getting  into  that  condition  of 
health  favorable  to  originate  farcy.  Why  the 
same  infecting  virus  should  especially  select  the 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  183 

mucous  membrane  of  the  nose  and  air  passages 
in  one  case  and  select  the  skin  and  its  connective 
tissue  and  the  superficial  lymphatic  glands  of  the 
legs  in  another  is  not  easy  to  determine.  I  will  di- 
vide farcy  into  two  forms,  the  acute  and  chronic. 

Acute  Farcy.— The  symptoms   are  fever,  high 
temperature,  and  fast  pulse,  seventy  to  eighty  per 
minute;  loss  of  appetite,  and  the  skin  takes  on  an 
unhealthy  appearance  and  there  may  be  shivering 
spells;  the  legs  swell  and  the  lymphatic  glands  up 
the  inside  of  the  legs  are  tender  to  the  touch;  there 
will  also  be  more  or  less  swelling  under  the  belly. 
After  a  time  the  general  swelling  gradually  sub- 
sides,   circumscribed    lumps    appear,    known    as 
farcy-buds,  and  a  corded  condition  of  the  inside  of 
the  hind  legs.     These  buds  arise  from  the  skin 
very  suddenly  and  after  a  few  days  the  skin  bursts 
and  there  is  a  slight  discharge,  leaving  a  raw,  deep 
sore  or  ulcer.     These  ulcers  distend  and  discharge 
a  foul,  creamy  liquid  tinged  with  blood.     These 
have  the  characteristics  of  the  ulcers  of  glanders 
found  on  the  membrane  of  the  nose.     Their  tend- 
ency is  to  spread,  and  they  do  not  heal  easily,  if 
at  all.     The  lymphatics  of  the  legs  remain  swollen 
and  somewhat  painful  if  the  animal  is  moved  or 
they  are  pressed  upon.     Although  the  horse  may 
regain  its  appetite,  the  fever  never  leaves,  and  the 
animal  soon  becomes  very  much  emaciated,  and 
prostration  goes  on  rapidly.     It  terminates  either 
in  acute  glanders  or  the  animal  dies  from  sheer  ex- 
haustion. 

Chronic  Farcy. — This  form  is  manifested  by  lo- 


184  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

cal  swellings,  tumors  or  buds  in  connection  with 
t  he  skin  and  the  surrounding  tissue.  After  a  time 
these  soften  and  ulcerate,  leaving  an  unhealthy, 
ragged,  open  sore,  which  discharges  a  liquid  and 
has  no  disposition  to  heal.  These  tumors  are 
found  in  various  parts  of  the  body — on  the  face, 
under  the  jaws,  sides  of  neck,  anterior  parts  of 
chest,  inside  of  the  fore  legs,  along  the  belly,  over 
the  flanks  and  inside  of  the  hind  legs.  These  tu- 
mors vary  much  in  size  in  different  parts  of  the 
body.  The  lymphatics  in  the  neighborhood  of 
these  tumors  are  swollen  and  hard,  and  inside  of 
the  hind  leg  they  will  be  corded.  The  appetite  of 
the  animal  may  remaip  good  and  do  its  work  as 
usual,  and  may  remain  in  good  condition,  but 
usually  they  become  dry-haired  and  take  on  an  un- 
healthy appearance.  Although  some  cases  of 
chronic  farcy  recover,  it  is  not  well  to  undertake 
treatment,  for  your  own  safety  as  well  as  for  the 
safety  of  the  other  horses  which  might  become  af- 
fected with  the  disease.  The  treatment  would  be 
to  give  the  animal  two  drams  of  sulphate  of  copper 
twice  a  day  in  mash,  and  continue  it  for  a  month; 
feed  good  hay  and  oats;  wash  the  sores  and  dress 
them  by  dusting  iodoform  powder  on  them  twice 
daily,  or  by  washing  them  with  chloride  of  zinc, 
one  dram ;  water,  one  pint ;  or  sanitas  oil,  one  part ; 
sweet  oil,  two  parts,  and  keep  the  animal  separat- 
ed from  the  others  while  undergoing  this  treat- 
ment. Stables  and  old  houses  in  which  a  gland- 
ered  or  farcied  horse  has  been,  as,  well  as  harness, 
clothing,  etc.,  must  be  disinfected.     Everything  in 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  185 

the  stable  which  can  be  removed  should  be  burned; 
the  clothing  and  harness  can  be  boiled,  which  will 
destroy  the  germ.  All  parts  of  the  building  should 
be  washed  with  carbolic  acid,  six  ounces;  water, 
one  gallon.  After  it  has  been  thoroughly  washed, 
close  all  the  doors,  windows  and  all  openings  tight. 
Then  put  from  one  to  two  pounds  of  sulphur  in  a 
pot  containing  burning  coal,  and  keep  it  close  for 
ten  or  twelve  hours.  Then  throw  open  the  doors 
and  windows  for  several  days  before  putting 
horses  into  it.  The  drains  of  the  stable  and  the 
dung,  and  in  fact  everything  in  which  there  is  any 
possibility  for  any  of  the  diseased  germs  to  find 
lodging,  should  be  destroyed.  If  there  is  a  drain, 
large  quantities  of  fresh  water  ought  to  be  forced 
through,  and  finish  by  mixing  carbolic  acid  and 
water  and  flush  that  through  and  burn  the  dung. 


186  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

HORSE  POX  (VARIOLA  EQUINA). 

This  is  a  pustular  disease,  making  its  appear- 
ance most  commonly  on  the  fetlocks  and  pasterns, 
but  may  be  found  on  other  parts  of  the  skin  or  the 
mucous  membrane  of  the  nose,  and  cases  have 
been  reported  where  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
lungs  became  affected.  On  account  of  it  breaking- 
out  on  the  pasterns  it  has  been  mistaken  for  grease 
in  the  heels.  This  disease  usually  makes  its  ap- 
pearance as  an  epizootic.  It  appeared  in  this 
form  in  Canada  in  the  winter  of  1876;  hundreds 
of  horses  were  laid  up  at  the  same  time.  It  start- 
ed in  Montreal,  and  spread  rapidly  by  contagion. 
The  first  symptoms  noticed  in  the  majority  of  cases 
were:  The  horse  was  dull  and  slightly  stiff,  the  ap- 
petite usually  remained  good;  next,  slight  swell- 
ings of  the  fetlocks,  and  if  rubbed  with  the  hand 
they  would  be  hot  and  tender  to  the  touch,  and 
soon  hard,  rather  flat  lumps,  from  the  size  of  a  pea 
to  that  of  a  half-dollar,  could  be  felt.  These  soon 
sunk  in  the  center  and  a  small  piece  of  skin  would 
drop  off,  leaving  a  pit  from  which  was  discharged 
a  copious,  thin  gray  fluid,  which  would  irritate  the 
parts  it  passed  over,  causing  them  to  become  sore. 
If  it  lodged  around  the  coronet  for  some  time,  it 
would  cause  a  separation  of  the  hoof,  and  in  some 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  18Y 

cases  the  fluid  would  get  in  between  the  hoof  and 
sensitive  parts  and  cause  great  pain  and  destruc- 
tion of  the  part.  Where  a  considerable  part  of  the 
pastern  and  fetlock  was  affected,  the  discharge 
would  be  sufficient  to  cause  the  bedding  to  become 
wet  with  it,  or  if  bandages  were  put  on  they  soon 
became  soaked  with  the  fluid.  In  a  number  of 
cases  the  hind  legs  would  swell  to  a  great  size,  and 
sometimes  the  pustules  would  appear  on  the  inside 
of  the  legs,  causing  great  lameness.  In  some  cases 
there  would  be  considerable  fever,  pulse  sixty  to 
seventy,  temperature  one  hundred  and  two  to  one 
hundred  and  five,  appetite  poor,  urine  scanty  and 
high  colored,  and  the  bowels  confined.  In  some 
cases  where  the  swelling  was  great  the  animal 
could  not  rise  if  it  lay  down;  but  in  most  cases 
they  do  not  lie  down.  Those  attending  animals 
affected  with  this  disease,  if  they  are  not  careful 
to  wash  their  hands  well  with  soap  and  hot  water 
and  then  use  carbolic  lotion  (half  an  ounce  to'  a 
pint  of  water)  and  a  nail  brush  to  clean  under  the 
nails,  are  very  likely  to  suffer  greatly,  as  it  will 
affect  the  tender  part  under  the  nails.  I  know  of 
a  number  of  cases  of  this  kind  also  from  picking 
the  nose,  or  putting  up  the  hand  before  it  was  prop- 
erly washed  to  protect  the  ear  from  the  cold.  A 
great  many  laughable  but  painful  cases  occurred 
to  men  attending  horses  having  this  disease,  but 
I  only  know  of  one  fatal  case  in  man  from  it. 

Treatment:  When  first  noticed,  and  before  the 
pustules  break,  grease  all  around  the  top  of  the 
hoof  and  heels  with  lard  and  vaseline,  so  that  it 


188  .  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

will  prevent  it  from  injuring  the  coronet  and  heels. 
Give  the  horse  half-ounce  doses  of  nitrate  of  potas- 
sium three  times  a  day  in  bran  mash  or  drinking 
water.  If  the  leg  is  swollen  above  the  pustules, 
bathe  it  with  acetate  of  lead,  half  an  ounce;  water, 
one  quart.  It*is  best  not  to  use  any  medicine  or 
water  on  the  pustular  parts,  as  it  will  only  delay 
the  progress  of  the  disease.  When  the  pustules 
burst  I  have  found  great  improvement  by  spraying 
on  the  sores  carbolic  lotion  (two  drams  to  one  pint 
of  water).  Washing  the  parts,  as  is  often  done, 
keeps  the  healing  process  back.  Do  not  remove 
any  scabs  that  form.  If  the  pustules  should  break 
before  there  was  any  lard  rubbed  around  the  coro- 
nets and  heels,  and  they  have  not  become  sore, 
wash  off  clean  with  soap  and  water  and  apply  a 
little  carbolic  lotion,  and  when  the  part  dries  rub 
on  the  lard;  be  very  careful  about  this,  as  it  will 
save  the  animal  a  great  deal  of  pain  and  the  owner 
much  trouble.  If  the  sores  are  slow  in  healing 
with  the  carbolic  lotion  and  they  have  ceased  dis- 
charging, use  a  little  oxide  of  zinc  ointment; 
strength,  one  ounce  zinc  oxide,  vaseline  two 
ounces.  If  the  mouth  becomes  the  seat  of  the  dis- 
ease and  the  lips  swell,  it  will  be  necessary  to  feed 
the  animal  on  soft  food  and  bathe  the  lips  with 
a  little  lead  lotion.  If  the  throat  or  bronchial 
tubes  of  the  lungs,  treat  as  recommended  for  lung 
troubles.  Keep  the*  animal  in  a  comfortable,  dry 
place  and  give  it  aril  the  food  and  cold  water  it  will 
take. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  18S 


CHAPTER  XV. 

BLACK  LEG  (INFLAMMATORY  FEVER). 

In  the  Veterinarian,  February,  1880,  Dr.  Green- 
field's lecture  on  this  disease  says:  "This  disease 
did  not  appear  in  healthy  animals  inoculated  with 
black  leg  virus,  and  no  bacteria  was  found  in  the 
blood  of  animals  affected  with  this  disease,  which 
shows  that  it  is  not  an  anthrax  disorder,  but  is 
brought  on  by  the  kind  of  food  the  animal  is  fed 
upon.  Cattle  of  all  ages  are  liable  to  become  af- 
fected, but  young  stock  appear  to  be  most  readily 
so;  six-month-old  calves  and  up  to  two  years,  seem 
to  be  those  usually  affected  when  changed  from  a 
poor  pasture  to  a  rich,  especially  low-lying  lands. 
Such  animals  fatten  with  rapidity  and  soon  attain 
a  high  state  of  plethora,  when  perhaps  some  of 
them  become  lame.  Stop  feeding  and  soon  a 
swelling  appears  in  some  part  of  the  body,  espe- 
cially about  the  hocks  or  stifle.  It  is  hot  and  very 
painful,  and  is  often  mistaken  for  an  injury.  If 
at  first  it  was  painful,  the  pain  soon  leaves,  and  it 
becomes  insensible,  and  if  cut  with  a  knife,  a  little 
watery  black  blood  will  exude.  The  part  has  be- 
come gangrenous,  cold,  and  crackles  on  pressure 
as  if  it  was  full  of  air.  This  is  caused  by  the  forma- 
tion of  gas  from  the  decomposition  of  the  blood. 
Later  on,  when  the  swellings  are  cut  into  there  will 


190  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

be  an  accumulation  of  putrid  sanious  and  yellow 
gelatinous  material  under  the  skin  and  between 
the  muscles,  also  black  patches  on  various  parts 
of  the  body.  At  the  beginning,  or  if  the  animals 
are  noticed,  there  wrill  be  fever,  loss  of  appetite, 
high  temperature.  It  is  said  that  when  the  swell- 
ing begins,  the  fever  subsides  a  little,  but  I  have 
not  seen  this  in  the  cases  that  came  under  my  ob- 
servation. The  animal  becomes  rapidly  feeble  and 
soon  dies.  In  the  early  stage  the  bowels  are  usu- 
ally confined,  and  near  the  end  blood  is  mixed  with 
the  feces.  The  animal  stands  with  its  neck  out- 
stretched, breathing  rapidly,  and  with  a  moan. 
Some  few  cases  recover  wThen  the  animal  has 
strength  to  throw  off  those  parts  which  have  be- 
come mortified,  leaving  ugly  sores,  which  after  a 
time  heal  by  granulations.  On  post-mortem  ex- 
aminations, besides  what  is  seen  on  the  outside, 
there  is  congestion  of  the  lungs,  and  the  bronchial 
tubes  are  filled  with  a  tough,  frothy  mucous.  This 
disease  is  seen  in  certain  places  and  at  certain 
times, — the  spring,  early  summer,  and  autumn. 
It  never  occurs  in  winter  in  cold  countries.  Poor 
animals  are  never  affected  with  this  disease,  and 
can  be  prevented  by  not  overfeeding,  especially  on 
rapidly-grown  grasses  on  lowT  lands.  If  the  ani- 
mal has  to  be  fed  on  such  grass,  allow  it  to  be 
there  for  a  short  time  each  day  and  then  remove 
it  to  a  poor,  short  pasture  and  feed  some  dry  food, 
such  as  hay.  After  the  grass  has  grown  and  be- 
comes harder  there  will  be  no  danger  of  allowing 
the  animal  to  remain  in  it  all  day. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  191 

Treatment:  Open  the  swellings  with  a  knife  and 
inject  carbolic  acid  half  an  ounce,  water  one 
quart,  or  inject  a  lotion  of  this  kind  all  around  the 
swelling  with  a  hypodermic  syringe.  Give  one 
ounce  each  of  tincture  chloride  of  iron,  ginger,  and 
gentian  at  a  dose  three  times  a  day  in  half  a  pint 
of  water;  this  dose  is  for  yearlings.  Half  this 
quantity  for  a  calf  six  months  old.  Kemove  all 
the  well  ones  and  give  a  dose  of  Epsom  salts,  four 
ounces  for  a  calf,  half  a  pound  for  a  yearling,  one 
pound  for  a  two-year-old,  and  one  and  one-half  for 
a  cow.  Feed  on  dry  food  or  turn  into  a  poor  pas- 
ture, and  if  this  is  done  there  will  be  no  further 
trouble. 

Pyemia  (Blood  Poisoning). — Septicemia  pus 
getting  into  the  blood  is  best  treated  by  tincture 
chloride  of  iron,  gentian,  and  ginger,  one  ounce 
each  three  times  a  day,  and  feeding  good  food. 


192  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

RHEUMATISM. 

This  is  a  disease  characterized  by  more  or  less 
pain  and  swelling  of  the  joints,  although  in  some 
cases  no  swelling  appears.  There  is  a  tendency  to 
shift  from  one  part  to  another;  that  is,  a  horse 
may  be  lame  in  one  leg  for  a  day  or  two,  then  the 
lameness  shifts  to  the  other,  and  so  on ;  or  the  sore- 
ness may  remain  for  months  in  one  place.  I  have 
seen  cases  where  one  hind  leg  and  one  fore  leg 
were  affected  at  the  same  time.  There  is  a  great 
difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  nature  of  this  dis- 
ease. It  is  described  to  be  a  specific  acute  fever 
caused  by  some  morbid  material  in  the  system, 
having  a  special  tendency  to  affect  the  coverings 
of  muscles  and  tendons,  causing  great  pain  and 
lameness,  and  I  have  no  doubt  but  such  is  the  case 
sometimes.  It  is  thought  to  be  caused  by  an  ac- 
cumulation of  urea  in  the  muscular  structure,  and 
by  increasing  the  elimination  of  this  material  from 
the  system  the  rheumatism  disappears.  When  it 
affects  the  joints  there  is  an  effusion  of  a  fluid  ma- 
terial which  invades  the  capsules  of  the  joints, 
causing  them  to  swell. 

Symptoms:  Of  the  local  symptoms  there  will  be 
lameness,  severe  and  sudden ;  when  the  animal  was 
last  seen  it  was  all  right,  but  now  it  is  hardly  able 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  193 

to  move,  and  if  it  does,  it  is  with  great  difficulty. 
On  examination  one  or  more  of  the  joints  will  be 
very  painful.  There  may  be  no  swelling,  but 
usually  there  is.  The  joints  most  frequently  af- 
fected are  the  stifle  and  fetlock.  The  hock  and 
hip  less  so.  The  swellings,  when  occurring,  are 
usually  between  the  tendons,  and  if  in  the  hock 
joint  may  be  taken  for  bog  spavin.  The  pain  con- 
tinues, it  may  be,  only  for  several  hours,  or  it  may 
be  for  several  days,  when  all  at  once  in  some  un- 
accountable manner  the  pain  and  swelling  become 
reduced  or  may  entirely  disappear,  to  shift  to  some 
other  joint  or  limb,  and  so  on  until  it  may  disap- 
pear altogether.  These  local  symptoms  are  gen- 
erally accompanied  with  more  or  less  fever  and  a 
decided  rise  in  the  temperature.  The  pulse  is 
from  sixty  to  seventy  per  minute  and  the  breath- 
ing somewhat  increased. 

Treatment:  For  this  form  of  rheumatism  I  find 
that  a  good  dose  of  physic  is  useful,  and  the  best 
is  one  pint  of  raw  linseed  oil  and  twenty  drops  of 
croton  oil.  This  is  for  both  horses  and  cattle. 
Follow  this  by  giving  nitrate  of  potassium  half- 
ounce  doses  three  times  a  day  in  the  drinking  wa- 
ter. If  the  pulse  is  fast  and  full,  give  tincture  of 
aconite  in  twenty-drop  doses  every  two  hours  in  a 
little  water.  After  several  days,  if  there  is  no  im- 
provement, give  dram  doses  of  iodide  of  potassium 
three  times  a  day  with  half  an  ounce  of  wine  of 
colchicum.  When  all  fever  has  subsided,  Fowler's 
solution  of  arsenic  in  half-ounce  doses  twice  a  day 
in  bran  mash  is  often  very  useful. 


194  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

Treatment  of  Rheumatism  in  Ilorses  and  Cattle. 
— Salicylic  acid  does  not  seem  to  be  of  much  use. 
If  this  derangement  becomes  chronic  and  the 
joints  remain  swollen,  blister  them  with  canthar- 
ides  two  drams,  lard  one  ounce;  rub  in  well  and 
let  it  remain  on  for  twenty-four  hours,  then  wash  off 
and  grease.  Repeat  in  two  weeks  and  give  half- 
ounce  doses  of  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  twice 
a  day  in  a  bran  mash.  I  find  this  is  the  only  rem- 
edy for  chronic  rheumatism. 

There  is  a  derangement  which  I  think  proper  to 
call  rheumatic  inflammation  of  the  muscles,  espe- 
cially the  muscles  of  the  loins  and  the  hind  legs, 
although  the  muscles  of  other  parts  may  be  af- 
fected. I  have  had  a  number  of  cases  of  this  kind 
and  they  have  all  been  from  the  same,  cause:  expo- 
sure to  cold  in  cold,  damp  weather  when  the  animal 
has  been  heated.  One  case  was  from  driving  a 
horse  a  long  distance  and  then  turning  it  out  to 
pasture  late  at  night,  and  during  the  night  it 
rained  and  became  cold  and  the  horse  was  found 
on  the  following  morning  standing  with  its  feet 
gathered  up  underneath  it,  with  back  arched,  and 
it  was  with  difficulty  the  animal  could  be  moved. 
There  was  considerable  fever  and  the  muscles  were 
sore  to  the  touch.  It  kept  constantly  lifting  first 
one  hind  foot,  then  the  other,  and  had  the  appear- 
ance of  a  horse  that  was  foundered;  the  feet  were 
cool  and  the  muscles  sore,  and  if  the  horse  lay 
down  it  suffered  great  pain  and  would  not  lie  still 
one  moment.  If  it  were  founder  the  feet  would 
be  hot  and  the  animal  would  be  comfortable  while 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  195 

it  was  down.  The  above  are  the  symptoms  of  this 
trouble.  In  bad  cases  the  animal  will  not  eat,  but 
drinks  freely. 

Treatment:  Give  a  dose  of  physic  to  clean  out 
the  bowels  and  reduce  the  fever,  also  give  tincture 
of  aconite  in  twenty-drop  doses  in  a  little  water 
every  two  hours  for  the  first  day.  After  the  physic 
operates,  if  the  animal  is  in  much  pain,  give  two 
ounces  tincture  of  opium  three  or  four  times  a  day 
in  a  little  water.  Bathe  the  legs  and  loins  with 
hot  water,  taking  care  that  the  animal  does 
not  get  cold  after  it.  After  bathing  for  half  an 
hour,  dry  and  rub  the  parts  well  with  soap  lini- 
ment, then  blanket  and  cover  up  the  legs.  Keep 
the  kidneys  active  by  giving  half-ounce  doses  of 
nitrate  of  potassium.  After  two  weeks,  if  the 
animal  remains  stiff  give  half-ounce  doses  of 
Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  in  bran  mash  and 
continue  it  for  several  weeks.  If  the  joints  should 
swell  and  remain  sore,  blister  with  cantharides  as 
for  rheumatism. 


196  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

TUBERCULOSIS. 

This  is  a  constitutional  disease,  usually  locating 
itself  in  the  lungs,  although  it  is  found  in  other  or- 
gans of  the  body,  such  as  the  glands  of  the  intes- 
tines, mesenteric  glands,  and  glands  of  the  udder. 
This  disease  affects  cattle  more  than  any  other 
domestic  animals.  This  disease  is  hereditary  and 
is  found  more  frequently  among  cattle  that  have 
been  inbred.  It  is  also  most  common  among  the 
improved  herds,  thus  short  horns,  especially  good 
milkers,  are  more  predisposed  to  this  disorder.  In 
the  last  few  years  a  great  deal  of  attention  has 
been  called  to  this  disease,  and  a  few  veterinarians 
have  allowed  themselves  to  be  carried  away  be- 
yond the  bounds  of  reason  on  this  disease  and  have 
caused  needless  alarm  and  have  done  a  great  deal 
of  harm  to  the  cattle  industry,  as  well  as  scaring 
the  people. 

Tuberculosis  is  a  very  old  disease  and  is  de- 
scribed by  writers  several  thousand  years  ago,  and 
if  the  disease  is  as  contagious  as  some  are  asking 
the  people  to  believe,  there  would  not  be  a  warm- 
blooded animal  alive.  Their  theory  is  that  rats, 
mice,  and  other  small  animals  which  eat  out  of  feed 
boxes  of  cattle  affected  with  tuberculosis  will  con- 
i  ract  the  disease  and  give  it  to  others;  also,  that  a 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  197 

person  who  has  tuberculosis  attending  to  cattle  will 
give  the  disease  to  them,  and  that  it  is  contagious 
and  infectious  from  one  animal  to  another;  also, 
that  the  milk  and  flesh  of  an  animal  affected  with 
the  disease  is  unfit  for  food.  If  this  were  the  case, 
and  as  many  cows  affected  with  this  disease  as  they 
represent,  I  think  very,  few  people  would  be  free 
from  the  disease.  Such,  however,  is  not  the  case, 
as  the  census  of  Europe  shows  that  tuberculosis 
is  on  the  decrease,  and  this  is  accounted  for  in  the 
improved  condition  of  living,  more  meat  and  milk 
being  used  than  in  days  gone  by.  The  slaugh- 
tering of  cattle  to  stamp  out  tuberculosis  is  out  of 
the  question  if  the  disease  can  be  spread  from  the 
human  being  to  the  cattle  they  attend,  and  also 
from  the  rats  and  mice.  I  think  the  people  are 
awakening  to  the  absurdity  of  what  has  been  done 
and  are  taking  a  common-sense  view  of  the  mat- 
ter. I  would  suggest  the  use  of  tuberculine  be  dis- 
continued, as  there  is  danger  of  it  producing  tu- 
berculosis in  healthy  animals,  and  as  long  as  cows 
and  other  cattle  are  in  good  condition,  eating  well, 
giving  a  good  supply  of  milk,  etc.,  they  should  not 
be  interfered  with.  If  a  cow  should  show  signs 
of  ill  health  it  would  be  wise  to  have  her  examined 
by  a  qualified  veterinary  surgeon,  and  if  tubercu- 
losis was  discovered  the  animal  ought  to  be  de- 
stroyed, or  at  least  separated  from  the  others  and 
put  under  treatment  for  several  months. 

Symptoms  of  tuberculosis:  The  first  is  a  cough, 
but  the  cough  of  itself  is  not  sufficient,  as  a  cough 
is  often  caused  by  irritation  of  the  throat.     Sue- 


198  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

ceeding  the  cough  there  will  be  dry  skin  and  the 
hair  standing  up,  and  the  animal  gradually  losing 
flesh,  although  the  appetite  may  remain  unim- 
paired. The  mucous  membranes  are  pale  in  color 
and  the  pulse  becomes  weak,  and  if  the  animal  is 
driven  fast,  there  will  be  a  tendency  to  suffocation 
or  difficult  breathing.  If  the  cow  is  giving  milk 
it  decreases  in  quantity  and  quality,  and  by  de- 
grees the  animal  becomes  greatly  debilitated;  pain 
is  evinced  on  pressure  on  the  ribs,  the  temperature 
of  the  body  is  usually  increased  to  a  hundred  and 
two  to  a  hundred  and  three.  This  condition  may 
continue  for  several  months.  When  the  cough  be- 
comes hacking  the  respiration  becomes  very  fast 
and  the  pulse  quick  and  weak;  diarrhoea  sets  in 
and  carries  off  the  animal. 

Treatment:  If  treatment  is  tried,  use  tonics  and 
stimulants.  Tincture  chloride  of  iron,  ginger  and 
gentian,  one  ounce  each,  given  in  gruel  or  water 
three  times  a  day.  Boiled  flaxseed  given  in  bran 
mash  once  a  day  is  very  useful.  But  it  is  wise  to 
destroy  at  once  when  the  case  is  one  of  tubercu- 
losis. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  199 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

FRACTURES  AND  DISEASES  OP  BONES. 

Fractures  usually  occur  from  violence,  such  as 
a  kick,  slipping  and  falling,  and  sometimes  from 
violent  contracting  of  the  muscles.  The  bones  of 
old  animals  are  much  easier  broken  than  those  of 
the  young.  Bones  are  more  readily  fractured  by 
a  diseased  condition,  and  at  times  the  bones  are 
more  brittle  than  at  others,  and  a  trivial  cause  may 
produce  fracture,  as  I  have  known  fractures  to  oc- 
cur while  a  horse  was  traveling  on  a  level,  hard 
road.  The  bones  of  most  healthy  animals  will 
bend  slightly,  and  for  this  reason  will  often  pre- 
vent fracture.  There  is  a  little  elasticity  to  all 
bones,  especially  to  the  young.  Simple  fracture 
is  where  the  bone  is  broken  without  wounding  the 
soft  parts.  Compound  or  open  when  there  is  an 
open  wound  communicating  with  the  broken  bone. 
Comminuted  when  the  bone  is  broken  into  several 
fragments.  Complicated  when  together  with  the 
fracture  there  is  serious  injuries  of  the  adjoining 
structures,  lacerated,  open  joint,  or  serious  con- 
tusion of  the  tissues.  In  the  majority  of  cases  the 
only  kind  of  fracture  that  is  worth  treating  is  the 
simple,  for  the  reason  that  it  is  impossible  to  keep 
the  animal  quiet,  and  that  the  ends  of  a  fractured 
bone  with  wounded  flesh  will  keep  up  the  irrita- 


200  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

lion,  causing  inflammation  and  mortification.  The 
bones  of  the  horse  or  cattle  will  unite  as  readily  as 
in  the  human  being  if  we  could  only  keep  the  parts 
quiet. 

Mode  of  union:  First,  there  is  an  exudation  of 
lymph,  which  is  at  first  slightly  granular,  but  be- 
comes, at  a  later  period,  elastic  and  moderately 
firm.  It  soon  attains  firmness,  which  is  called  a 
callus,  and  by  degrees  this  is  consolidated  into 
hard  bone.  After  a  time  the  callus  becomes  par- 
tially or  wholly  absorbed,  leaving  the  parts  nearly 
smooth.  Therefore  in  simple  fracture,  even  if  the 
parts  are  not  kept  quiet,  the  developing  process 
will  go  on.  It  being  elastic,  will  at  first  allow  of  a 
certain  amount  of  motion,  and  as  it  hardens  the 
motion  becomes  less  until  it  stops  altogether.  I 
have  known  colts  to  be  turned  out  with  a  broken 
leg,  and  if  inflammation  did  not  set  in,  would  soon 
get  all  right. 

Treatment  of  fractures:  The  first  thing  to  do  is 
to  reduce  the  fracture  as  soon  as  possible  and  keep 
the  ends  of  the  bones  in  apposition  to  prevent  them 
from  lacerating  the  flesh  or  soft  tissue;  and  before 
swelling  and  inflammation  set  in,  place  the  horse 
in  a  sling.  This  can  be  done  by  fixing  four  posts 
wide  enough  for  the  animal's  body  and  far  enough 
apart  so  that  the  posts  in  front  will  be  in  line  with 
the  horse's  breast  and  the  others  at  the  hips.  Then 
take  two  poles  and  sew  strong  bags  to  them  and 
place  one  of  the  poles  on  each  side  and  the  bags 
under  the  animal's  belly,  then  fasten  the  poles  to 
the  posts  and  put  a  cross-piece  in  front  and  one 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  201 

behind,  and  your  sling  is  complete.  The  cross- 
pieces  should  be  well  padded  to  prevent  chafing. 
When  the  animal  is  put  into  the  sling,  then  the 
fractured  parts  require  to  be  kept  in  their  places. 
This  is  done  by  splints  and  bandages.  Take  long- 
strips  of  muslin  about  four  inches  in  width  and  put 
them  in  starch  and  wrap  them  several  times 
around  the  part,  then  apply  the  splints,  which  can 
be  made  of  pieces  of  wood,  hard  leather,  or  gutta 
percha.  Then  roll  a  starched  bandage  around  the 
splints  to  keep  them  in  their  places.  Some  use  the 
plaster  of  paris  bandages,  which  are  useful.  If 
an  animal  gets  its  leg  fractured  in  the  pastern  and 
cannot  be  taken  to  the  stable,  I  have  had  good  suc- 
cess by  applying  the  starched  bandages  and  using 
splints,  without  putting  the  animal  in  slings. 
Block  tin  made  to  fit  the  part  is  very  useful  for  this 
purpose,  as  it  is  light  and  easily  kept  in  its  place. 
Animals  may  be  very  lame  for  a  long  time  after  the 
fracture  has  united,  but  if  no  joint  is  involved  re- 
covery will  gradually  take  place. 

Symptoms  of  fracture:  When  the  leg  is  the 
part  fractured  there  is  sudden  and  great  lameness, 
with  more  or  less  deformity,  and  the  animal  is 
unable  to  bear  weight  upon  that  leg.  By  applying 
the  ear  to  the  part  and  moving  the  limb  a  crepitat- 
ing sound  will  be  heard.  If  it  is  a  simple  fracture, 
without  the  soft  parts  being  injured,  it  is  advisable 
to  try  treatment.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the  soft 
parts  are  wounded  and  the  animal  not  of  much 
value,  the  wisest  plan  is  to  put  it  out  of  pain.  If 
the  animal  is  a  valuable  mare  or  stallion  treat- 


202  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

iiient  might  be  tried,  for  although  the  limb  was  de- 
formed or  the  animal  lame,  it  would  be  useful  for 
stud  purposes. 

Fractures  of  the  Anterior  Iliae  Spine. — This 
form  of  fracture  is  usually  caused  by  the  animal 
falling  on  its  haunch  or  striking  it  against  the 
side  of  a  door  post,  gate  or  wall,  breaking  off  a 
piece  of  the  most  prominent  part  of  the  quarter. 
It  does  not  always  cause  lameness,  but  is  easily 
seen  by  the  flattened  appearance  of  the  quarter. 
If  the  bone  is  completely  broken  off  it  will  be 
drawn  down  by  the  abdominal  muscles.  I  saw  a 
case  of  this  kind.  A  young  horse  while  running 
slipped  and  fell,  fracturing  its  haunch.  The  parts 
inflamed  and  separation  took  place,  and  the  piece 
of  bone  was  drawn  down  to  the  flank,  where  it 
caused  inflammation.  Matter  formed.  I  opened  it 
and  removed  a  piece  of  bone  half  the  size  of  the 
hand.  The  wound  was  treated  and  the  part 
healed.  Little  can  be  done  for  a  case  of  the  kind 
except  to  keep  down  local  inflammation  by  giving 
rest  and  applying  cold  applications,  and  if  matter 
should  form  it  indicates  that  there  is  a  piece  of 
the  bone  detached,  which  will  have  to  be  removed, 
and  then  dressed  as  for  an  ordinary  wound. 

Fracture  of  the  Shaft  of  the  Ilium.— If  the  ends 
of  the  bone  are  not  displaced  the  animal  may  not 
go  lame,  but  if  they  are  the  lameness  will  be  great. 
In  a  fracture  of  this  kind  the  horse  will  drag  its  leg 
and  will  not  be  able  to  support  its  weight  on  it. 
The  other  parts  of  the  limb  being  all  right  our  at- 
tention is  directed  to  the  bones  of  the  hip  and  at 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  203 

the  place  of  fracture  there  will  be,  in  the  majority 
of  cases,  a  sinking  of  the  muscle  end;  on  applying 
the  ear  to  the  part  and  moving  the  limb  gently  a 
crepitating  sound  will  be  heard,  the  ends  of  the 
fractured  bones  grating.  If  the  fracture  should  be 
in  the  hip  joint  treatment  would  be  of  no  use,  but 
if  the  animal  is  a  valuable  mare,  put  it  in  a  sling 
and  keep  as  quiet  as  possible,  and  if  the  muscles 
swell  apply  cold  water.  I  have  seen  a  few  cases 
of  fracture  of  the  shaft  of  the  hip  bone  unite  and 
the  animal  be  as  useful  as  before  the  fracture. 

Split  or  Fracture  of  the  Pelvis  (Symphysis  Pu- 
bis) _This  happens  frequently  in  fat  cattle  if  kept 
on  slippery  floors,  the  feet  spreading  and  the  ani- 
mal falling,  causing  a  split  in  the  union  of  the  two 
bones,  called  the  pubic  bones.  In  this  case  nothing 
can  be  done  in  the  way  of  treatment. 

Fracture  of  the  Tuberosity  of  the  Ischium.— 
This  is  caused  from  the  patient  falling  back  on  its 
buttock.  The  symptoms  of  this  are  an  alteration 
in  the  shape  of  the  buttock.  On  moving  the  part  a 
crepitating  sound  will  be  heard;  there  will  be  some 
lameness  and  swelling.  If  the  bone  is  not  de- 
tached it  will  soon  reunite  if  the  animal  is  given 
rest.  Very  little  treatment  is  needed  in  this  case. 
If  the  pari  swells  much,  bathe  it  several  times 
daily  with  cold  water.  If  it  becomes  detached 
matter  will  form,  and  on  opening  the  part  the  de- 
tached bone  can  be  removed  and  the  wound 
treated  as  usual. 

Fracture  of  the  Femur  (Thigh  Bone).— This  frac- 
ture is  caused  by  the  animal  falling  with  its  leg 


204  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

under  it,  and  sometimes  by  contraction  of  tbe  mus- 
cles of  the  thigh.  Symptoms  of  this  fracture  are 
shortening  of  the  leg,  the  toe  being  turned  inward, 
and  a  depression  in  the  muscles  over  the  seat  of 
the  fracture.  In  such  a  case  put  the  animal  in 
slings.  If  it  is  a  simple  fracture  it  will  likely 
unite,  but  if  it  is  a  compound  fracture  it  is  better  to 
destroy  the  animal. 

Fracture  of  the  Stifle  Joint  of  the  Patella  (Stifle 
Bone). — This  is  caused  by  violence,  such  as  kicks. 
This  kind  of  fracture  is  incurable.  Fractures  of  the 
lower  part  of  the  leg  are  the  same  as  in  the  front 
leg. 

Fractures  of  the  Ribs  Caused  by  Kicks  and  Oth- 
er Injuries. — If  the  ends  of  the  ribs  are  pressing  on 
the  lungs  it  will  be  necessary  to  cut  down  on  them 
and  draw  them  outward  and  apply  a  pitch  plaster 
over  the  opening  to  prevent  air  getting  into  the 
lungs.  In  the  treatment  of  all  fractures  it  is  nec- 
essary to  keep  the  animal  as  quiet  as  possible,  and 
in  some  cases  it  requires  someone  to  be  in  constant 
attendance.  The  animal  should  have  a  physic  to 
cool  the  system,  a  dose  of  aloes  for  the  horse  and 
Epsom  salts  for  cattle.  This  to  be  followed  by  giv- 
ing half  an  ounce  of  nitrate  of  potassium  in  the 
drinking  water  once  a  day.  If  the  animal  is  suffer- 
ing much  pain  give  two  drams  of  opium  made  into 
a  ball,  or  give  it  in  a  little  oatmeal  gruel;  or  if 
there  is  much  fever  a  few  doses  of  tincture  of  acon- 
ite, twenty  drops  every  two  hours  in  a  little  water. 
If  the  injured  parts  are  hot  and  tender  bathe  them 
several  times  a  day  with  acetate  of  lead  half  an 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  205 

ounce,  tincture  of  arnica  two  ounces,  water  one 
quart.  If  matter  forms  open  the  part  and  clean 
out  well  with  carbolic  acid  one  dram,  water  half 
a  pint.  Usually  if  matter  forms  at  the  fractured 
part  it  will  be  best  to  destroy  the  animal. 

Dislocation  of  the  Patella  (Stifle  Bone).— This 
occurs  most  frequently  among  young  horses  and 
colts.  In  some  colts  the  muscles  attached  to  this 
bone  become  relaxed  and  allow  the  patella  to  slip 
out  and  in  at  every  step   with  a  clicking  sound. 


PLATE  4.    DISLOCATION  OF  THE  PATELLA 
(STIFLE). 

Very  commonly  both  patellas  will  be  in  the  same 
condition. 

Causes  of  dislocation  of  the  patella  are  slipping 
on  rising  in  the  stall,  or  the  animal  starting,  sud- 
denly and  the  hind  leg  slipping  too  far  forward, 
thus  slackening  the  muscles  of  the  stifle  too  much 
and  allowing  the  bone  to  slip  off.  It  may  also  be 
caused  by  cramps  of  the  muscles  of  the  outside  of 
the  stifle. 

Symptoms  of  dislocation  of  the  stifle :  The  horse 
stands  with  its  affected  leg  stretched  out  back- 


206  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

ward.  There  is  total  inability  on  the  part  of  the 
animal  to  bring  the  leg  forward,  owing  to  the  pa- 
tella being  on  the  pulley-like  groove.  Some- 
times the  animal  will  be  found  standing  solid  on 
its  foot,  but  on  trying  to  move  the  animal  it  seems 
fixed  to  the  ground,  and  if  forced  to  move  it  will 
hop  on  its  legs,  with  the  affected  one  stretched  out 
behind.  On  looking  at  the  joint  a  swelling  will  be 
observed  on  the  outside.  This  is  the  stifle  bone.  It 
cannot  slip  to  the  inside  on  account  of  the  high  pro- 
jection of  the  inside  of  the  pulley.  If  it  does  take 
place  it  will  be  found  that  the  ligaments  which 
hold  it  in  place  have  been  ruptured,  and  the  animal 
will  be  of  no  use. 

Treatment:  In  cases  where  it  moves  out  and  in 
at  every  step,  or  if  it  happens  to  the  animal  fre- 
quently, keep  the  animal  quiet  in  the  stable  and  ap- 
ply a  blister  of  cantharides  two  drams,  lard  one  and 
one-half  ounces.  Repeat  every  second  week  until 
the  part  is  well.  It  is  sometimes  useful  to  give  a 
case  of  this  kind  a  teaspoonful  of  phosphate  of  cal- 
cium twice  a  day  in  a  bran  mash  for  a  few  weeks. 
This  will  give  strength  and  tone  to  the  muscle 
fiber.  In  cases  of  dislocation  of  the  patella  by  ac- 
cident put  a  rope  around  the  fetlock  joint  of  the 
affected  leg,  and  the  other  end  through  a  strap  or 
collar  on  the  neck,  then  let  two  men  pull  on  therope 
and  in  this  way  bring  the  affected  leg  as  far  for- 
ward as  possible.  The  operator  stands  behind  the 
horse  with  one  hand  on  the  inside  of  the  joint,  and 
with  the  other  pushes  the  patella  on  its  place, 
which  it  will  do  with  a  snap;  then  remove  the  rope 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  207 

and  the  animal  will  walk  off  as  if  nothing  had  hap- 
pened. If  it  has  been  out  for  some  time  there  may 
be  some  swelling  and  soreness  of  the  part;  bathe 
it  with  acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce,  tincture  of 
arnica  two  ounces,  water  one  pint.  I  have  seen 
some  cases  in  which  the  stifled  animal  jumped  over 
the  fence  where  it  was  confined.  In  doing  so  the 
patella  was  forced  into  its  place,  and  the  animal 
galloped  off  as  if  nothing  had  happened.  This 
method  has  been  tried  without  success,  and  as 
there  is  danger  of  the  animal  making  matters 
worse  I  do  not  recommend  it. 

Dislocation  of  the  Pastern  Joints,  or  a  Tendency 
to  "Knuckle  Over."— This  is  usually  caused  from 
diseases  of  the  feet  or  overwork.  It  is  sometimes 
seen  in  colts  from  weakness  in  the  joints. 

Treatment:  Give  the  animal  rest,  and  blister 
the  joints  with  cantharides  two  drams,  lard  one 
ounce.  For  old  horses  and  for  colts  put  one  and 
one-half  ounces  lard.  Eepeat  this  every  second 
week  for  several  months.  If  the  animal  is  old  and 
the  joint  diseased  treatment  will  be  of  no  avail.  If 
it  is  caused  from  overwork,  either  in  young  or  old, 
besides  the  blister  give  a  teaspoonf ul  of  phosphate 
of  calcium  in  the  morning  and  a  teaspoonful  of 
sulphate  of  iron  in  the  evening;  continue  this  for 
a  month  if  necessary. 

Complete  dislocations  of  the  other  joints  cannot 
take  place  without  rupture  of  the  binding  liga- 
ments of  the  joint,  and  in  that  case  it  is  always  wise 
to  destroy  the  animal. 


208  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

DISEASES  OP  THE  JOINTS. 

There  are  three  classes  of  joints:  Immovable, 
movable,  and  mixed.  The  immovable  joints  are 
those  which  connect  flat  bones  i together,  such  as 
the  bones  of  the  face  and  head,  and  are  not  subject 
to  any  special  disease.  It  is  the  movable  and  the 
mixed  which  we  have  to  deal  with,  especially  those 
of  extensive  motion.  These  joints  are  connected 
by  binding  and  capsular  ligaments,  and  the  ends 
of  the  bones  are  incrusted  with  cartilage  and  the 
true  joints  lubricated  with  synovia,  secreted  by  the 
synovial  membrane  which  lines  the  capsular  liga- 
ment. The  true  joints  are  very  liable  to  injuries, 
and  from  the  nature  of  their  structure  very  liable 
to  severe  inflammation,  ulceration,  and  ossifica- 
tion. It  is  very  common  in  cities  to  find  old  horses 
which  have  been  subjected  to  heavy  work  with  sev- 
eral of  the  lumbar  vertebrae  ossified.  This  is 
caused  by  the  weight  on  their  backs  and  from  slip- 
ping. The  cartilages  connecting  the  bones  are 
first  irritated,  then  formed  into  bone,  ending  in  a 
solidification.  The  knee  is  not  liable  to  strains, 
but  is  often  injured  by  falls  and  kicks  and  other 
injuries.  The  term  "broken  knees"  is  used  when 
an  animal  falls  and  breaks  the  skin  or  otherwise 
injures  the  knee  joint.  When  it  is  severe  the  ani- 
mal suffers  great  pain  and  is  very  lame. 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  209 

Treatment:  Wash  the  part  and  remove  all  dirt, 
hair,  etc.,  then  bathe  it  with  acetate  of  lead  one- 
half  ounce,  tincture  of  opium  two  ounces,  water  one 
quart.  Bathe  it  three  or  four  times  daily.  In  cases 
where  it  is  cut  deep  and  the  joint  water  escaping, 
the  horse  should  be  put  into  slings  and  the 
part  cleaned  and  the  hair  shaved  off  at  least  two 
inches  around  the  wound  and  gauze  cloth  satur- 
ated with  collodion  put  over  the  wound  and  on  the 
shaved  part.  This  should  be  kept  firm  with  the 
hand  for  a  few  minutes  until  it  sticks  fast  to  the 
skin.  The  joint  should  be  splintered  and  bandaged 
to  keep  it  from  moving.  If  the  joint  swells  bathe 
it  with  cold  water  several  times  a  day.  If  the  knee 
has  been  injured  and  the  skin  not  broken  bathe  it 
with  cold  water  and  apply  lead  lotion  after  each 
bathing.  After  the  inflammation  has  been  sub- 
dued and  a  thickening  left,  blister  it  several  times 
with  biniodide  of  mercury  one  dram,  lard  one 
ounce.  Let  it  remain  on  for  twenty-four  hours, 
then  wash  off  and  apply  a  little  lard.  Apply  again 
as  soon  as  it  is  well  from  the  effects  of  the  first 
blister.  Horses  often  get  soft,  swellings  on  the 
front  of  the  knee  and  fetlock  joints  by  striking 
these  parts  against  the  manger.  Some  horses  have 
a  habit  of  pawing  while  they  are  eating  their  oats. 
I  have  seen  some  very  bad  blemishes  from  this 
cause.  To  prevent  this  pad  the  manger  by  nailing 
on  it  a  bag  stuffed  with  straw.  The  animal  will 
strike  this  instead  of  the  manger.  These  swellings 
contain  a  jelly-like  substance,  which  accumulates 
under  the  cartilage  of  the  knee  from  the  constant 


2X0  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

striking  against  the  manger  or  other  hard  sub- 
stance. It  is  very  difficult  to  remove  this  lump.  It 
makes  matters  worse  to  cut  into  it  It  is  best  to 
try  biniodide  of  mercury,  one  dram  to  one  ounce 
of  lard;  use  as  above  and  continue  it  for  several 
months.  I  have  seen  a  great  many  cases  of  this 
kind  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  country,  where  the 
farmers  use  pokes  on  their  horses  and  colts  to  keep 
them  from  jumping  over  the  fences,  the  constant 
striking  of  the  fetlock  joint  against  the  poke  caus- 
ing the  lump  above  mentioned. 

Elbow  Lameness. — The  tendons  of  muscles  and 
the  ligaments  attached  to  this  joint  are  liable  to  be 
sprained  by  the  animal  slipping  forward,  outward, 
and  also  inward.  When  the  ligaments  and  muscles 
are  strained  the  seat  of  lameness  is  easily  detected. 
There  will  be  swelling,  pain  and  h£at,  and  difficul- 
ty in  moving  the  leg.  When  the  internal  ligament 
is  the  part  affected  the  horse  will  stand  with  its 
foot  and  leg  thrown  outward.  When  the  animal 
is  made  to  move  it  will  drop  considerably  and  seem 
as  if  tt  would  fall.  The  dropping  is  characteristic 
of  elbow  joint  lameness,  even  when  there  is  no  heat 
or  swelling  to  indicate  that  the  injury  is  in  the 
elbow. 

Treatment:  When  there  is  heat  and  swelling, 
foment  with  hot  water,  and  apply  lead  lotion  after 
each  bathing.  If  there  is  no  heat  or  swelling  us;' 
soap  liniment  or  camphorated  liniment  to  it  three 
times  a  day  and  give  complete  rest  until  the  lame- 
ness passes  away. 

Shoulder  Lameness. — There  are  several  kinds  of 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  ANT3  CATTLE.  211 

lameness  in  the  shoulder.,  First,  injuries  to  the 
point  of  the  shoulder  caused  by  kicks  or  falls  and 
bruises;  second,  strains  of  the  flexor  brachii, 
which  passes  over  the  point  of  the  shoulder ;  third, 
strains  of  the  muscles  upon  the  shoulder  blade 
known  as  sweeny.  There  are  also  diseases  of  the 
shoulder  joint  produced  by  rheumatism,  causing 
the  ligaments  to  become  thickened,  and  in  this  way 
a  stiffness  of  the  joint  takes  place,  and  in  some 
cases  the  cartilages  of  the  joint  may  become  ulcer- 
ated and  destroy  it. 

The  symptoms  of  shoulder  joint  lameness:    The 
animal  stands  with  the  knee  and  elbow  bent  for- 
ward, and  resting  the  leg  on  the  toe,  the  foot  being 
turned  backward,  and  if  the  animal  is  made  to 
move  it  will  drag  the  toe  on  the  ground,  being 
unable  to  bring  the  leg  forward.    In  severe  lame- 
ness the  horse  will  not  throw  its  leg  outward  and 
forward  as  described  by  some,  as  this  would  cause 
him  too  much  pain.     In  cases  where  it  is  not  severe 
the  animal  will  stand  with  its  foot  solid  on  the 
ground  inclining  backward,  and  when  moved  will 
step  short  on  that  foot  and  show  a  little  lameness, 
and  if  made  to  trot  will  be  very  lame,  and  the  leg- 
is  not  brought  as  far  forward  as  the  other,  in  some 
cases  not  more  than  half  way.    In  watching  the 
movements,  if  the  horse  brings  its  leg  well  forward 
the  lameness  is  not  in  the  shoulder.     By  lifting 
up  the  foot  and  gently  bringing  the  leg  forward 
the  animal  will  evince  pain,  as  this  will  put  the 
muscles  and  joint  on  the  stretch.    In  cases  where 
there  is  swelling  and  heat  there  is  no  difficulty  in 


212  DISEASES  dF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

detecting  the  seat  of  lameness,  but  when  the  joint 
is  affected  there  may  be  great  lameness  and  no  out- 
ward signs.  Usually  in  sweeny  the  muscles  first 
swell  a  little  and  then  waste,  the  movement  of  the 
limb  is  about  the  same  as  in  shoulder  joint  lame- 
ness. In  severe  cases  benefit  is  obtained  by  put- 
ting on  a  high-heeled  shoe  so  that  the  horse  can 
rest  on  it  and  at  the  same  time  have  its  leg  flexed. 

Treatment:  When  there  is  pain  and  swelling, 
with  heat  of  the  part,  foment  with  hot  water  for 
half  an  hour  three  times  a  day  and  apply  a  little 
of  the  following  lotion  after  each  bathing :  Acetate 
of  lead  half  an  ounce,  tincture  of  opium  two 
ounces,  water  one  quart;  shake  up  well  before 
applying.  If  there  is  no  swelling  or  heat  use  a 
strong  liniment  such  as  the  compound  soap  lini- 
ment. If  this  takes  no  effect  apply  cantharides 
one  part,  vaseline  or  lard  six  parts;  rub  in  a  little 
once  a  week  and  give  the  animal  complete  rest. 

The  treatment  of  sweeny:  If  there  is  swelling 
use  the  lead  lotion  to  reduce  it;  then  use  the  can- 
tharides ointment  above  mentioned  once  every  two 
weeks  until  it  is  filled  up,  which  usually  takes  from 
two  to  three  months.  In  connection  with  shoulder 
disease  we  have  collar  bruises,  some  of  which  swell 
up  and  fill  with  fluid,  and  are  soft  to  the  touch ; 
others  near  the  point  of  the  shoulder  are  hard  and 
solid.  In  both  cases  if  they  are  hot  apply  the  lead 
lotion  for  a  few  days  to  remove  the  inflammation. 
Then  open  the  soft  one  with  the  knife,  making  the 
opening  large  enough  to  admit  the  finger,  so  that 
the  bruised  and  disconnected  shreds  of  the  connect 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND"   CATTLE.  213 

ing  tissue  can  run  out;  then  inject  once  daily  a  lit- 
tle lotion  made  by  mixing  one  dram  of  chloride  of 
zinc  and  one  pint  of  water.  If  there  is  any  thicken- 
ing left  after  it  heals  rub  on  biniodide  of  mercury 
one  dram,  lard  one  ounce.  Repeat  in  two  weeks. 
If  the  lump  feels  hard  and  solid  make  an  opening 
in  its  center  two-thirds  the  depth  of  the  lump. 
Then  roll  up  two  grains  of  bichloride  of  mercury 
in  tissue  paper,  cone  shaped,  and  press  it  into  the 
opening  with  a  probe  or  a  small,  smooth  stick 
made  in  the  shape  of  a  probe;  repeat  this  every 
third  day.  This  is  by  far  the  best  method  for  the 
removal  of  hard  lumps  on  any  part  of  the  body; 
besides  causing  a  slough  it  stimulates  the  whole  of 
the  tumor,  and  absorption  takes  place  in  it.  It 
may  take  several  weeks  to  accomplish  this,  but  it 
leaves  no  blemish,  which  is  often  the  case  when  the 
lump  is  cut  out.  To  prevent  shoulders  from  gall- 
ing see  that  the  lining  of  the  collar  is  smooth  and 
that  it  fits  well;  the  shoulders  should  be  exam- 
ined every  night,  and  if  there  are  any  signs  of  ten- 
derness wash  them  with  water  to  remove  scurfy 
or  matted  hair,  then  rub  on  a  little  lead  lotion 
made  by  mixing  half  an  ounce  acetate  of  lead  in 
one  quart  of  water.  This  will  remove  any  tendency 
to  tenderness  and  contract  the  relaxed  skin. 

Sores  on  Top  of  Neck. — This  is  caused  by  pres- 
sure of  the  collar.  Take  notice  that  the  draft  is 
not  too  high  up,  as  this  will  pull  the  collar  down- 
ward and  bring  pressure  on  top  of  the  neck.  This 
can  be  remedied  by  slackening  the  hame  strap  at 
the  top  and  tightening  the  one  at  the  bottom.     In 


214  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

plowing  there  will  be  more  tendency  to  pull  down- 
ward than  in  the  wagon.  If  it  becomes  sore  re- 
move the  pressure  and  apply  a  little  of  the  lead 
lotion  above  mentioned  several  times  a  day.  If  it 
becomes  sore  and  calloused,  apply  a  little  binio- 
dide  of  mercury,  one  dram,  to  one  ounce  and  one- 
half  of  lard,  once  a  week.  This  will  cause  absorp- 
tion of  the  callous,  then  heal  it  by  using  oxide  of 
zinc  one  ounce,  vaseline  two  ounces.  It  will  be 
necessary  to  give  the  animal  rest  while  using  the 
biniodide  ointment.  In  some  cases  the  animal 
could  be  worked  by  using  the  breast  collar.  Saddle 
galls  or  sores  from  the  .back-band  of  the  harness 
should  be  treated  the  same  as  galled  shoulders. 

Sprain  of  the  Flexor  Tendon  (Back  Tendon). — 
Causes:  Horses  having  to  draw  heavy  loads, 
there  is  a  very  great  strain  on  this  tendon,  as  most 
horses  dig  their  toes  into  the  ground,  and  horses 
in  cities  catch  the  cobble  stones  with  their  toe 
calkin.  This  causes  great  extension  of  the  toe, 
hence  great  stress  on  the  back  tendon.  Injuries 
such  as  kicks  or  knocks  from  the  other  foot  will 
cause  an  inflammation  of  the  sheath  of  the  tendon, 
causing  lameness. 

Symptoms:  There  will  be  swelling  and  heat  in 
the  parts,  there  may  be  bulging  of  the  sheath  and 
the  tendon  quite  normal;  when  the  part  is  pressed 
the  animal  evinces  pain,  stands  with  the  leg  up- 
right, moves  stiff  and  digs  its  toe  into  the  ground ; 
when  the  hind  leg  is  the  one  affected  he  seems  to 
throw  the  leg  behind  him,  and  the  fetlock  joint 
is  not  flexed,  as  when  the  animal  is  sound.    Some- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  215 

times  the  strain  may  be  so  slight  as  not  to  cause 
much  if  any  swelling  of  the  part,  and  the  animal 
will  be  lame.  Examine  the  well  fetlock,  then  the 
affected  one.  This  will  enable  us  to  detect  the 
slightest  swelling,  and  it  may  also  enable  us  to 
detect  heat,  if  any.  Slight  movement  of  the  foot 
forward  will  cause  pain  to  the  horse. 

Treatment:  In  severe  cases  put  on  a  high- 
heeled  shoe.  This  will  elevate  the  heel  and  slacken 
the  tendon ;  bathe  the  part  with  hot  or  cold  water 
for  half  an  hour,  and  apply  a  lotion  composed  of 
acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce,  tincture  of  opium 
two  ounces,  water  one  quart.  Do  this  three  times 
a, day.  Give  complete  rest  until  the  animal  is  bet- 
ter. In  chronic  cases  use  cantharides  two  drams, 
vaseline  one  ounce;  rub  in  a  little  of  this;  let  it 
remain  on  for  twenty-four  hours,  then  wash  it  off 
and  apply  a  little  lard.  Repeat  this  every  second 
week  until  the  animal  is  cured.  It  can  be  turned 
out  to  grass  after  the  blister  is  washed  off,  until 
two  weeks  are  up,  then  bring  it  in  and  apply  the 
other,  and  when  it  is  washed  off  turn  out  again, 
and  so  on. 

Sprains  of  the  Suspensory  Ligament. — This  lig- 
ament is  situated  below  the  back  tendon,  and  aris- 
ing from  the  upper  part  of  the  canon  bone,  it 
passes  down  close  to  the  bone.  At  the  fetlock  it 
divides  into  two  branches,  each  branch  becomes 
attached  to  the  sesamoid  bones  (two  small  bones 
at  the  back  of  the  fetlock  joint).  This  ligament  is 
sometimes  sprained,  causing  severe  lameness.  It 
is  also  sometimes  ruptured  (called  by  horsemen 


216  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

"breaking  down.'')  The  symptoms  are  very  much 
like  those  of  the  back  tendon,  and  the  treatment 
is  the  same.  When  it  is  a  case  of  breaking  down 
the  toe  tur,ns  up,  the  heel  resting  on  the  ground. 
In  this  case  the  back  tendon  is  all  right.  Few  cases 
of  this  kind  get  better. 

Strain  of  the  Fetlock  Joint. — The  lateral  liga- 
ments are  usually  the  ones  affected,  but  sometimes 
the  capsular  ligament  may  be  involved.  The  symp- 
toms of  this  are  swelling  and  some  heat  in  the  part; 
the  animal  evinces  very  great  pain  when  the  joint 
is  moved,  and  usually  extends  the  foot.  The 
treatment  is  the  same  as  the  above,  only  it  is  not 
necessary  to  put  on  a  high-heeled  shoe. 

Wind  Galls. — This  is  an  increased  quantity  of 
synovia  in  the  cavity,  causing  a  bulging  at  each 
side  of  the  tendon  at  the  upper  part  of  the  fetlock 
joint.  They  seldom  cause  lameness,  but  at  times 
they  become  hard  from  a  thickening  of  the  walls  of 
the  capsule,  interfering  with  the  passage  of  the 
tendon,  causing  lameness. 

Treatment:  In  the  early  stages  pads  and  band- 
ages to  cause  pressure  will  often  remove  them.  If 
not,  use  biniodide  of  mercury  one  dram,  lard  one 
ounce;  rub  on  a  little  with  the  fingers;  let  it  remain 
on  for  twenty-four  hours,  then  wash  off.  Repeat 
every  second  wreek. 

Ringbone. — This  term  is  applied  to  a  growth  of 
bone  on  the  upper  and  lower  pastern  bones.  When 
the  deposit  of  growth  of  bone  is  on  the  sides  only, 
they  are  usually  called  side  bones,  but  they  are  of 
the  same  nature,  and  both  cause  lameness  when 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  217 

they  interfere  with  the  joint  or  the  passage  of  any 
of  the  tendons. 

Causes:  Some  horses  are  predisposed  to  bony 
diseases  from  the  least  injury,  while  others  are  not, 
and  in  selecting  mares  for  breeding  purposes  the 
former  should  be  rejected;  strains,  bruises,  or  in- 
juries to  the  cartilage  of  the  joints. 

Symptoms :  When  the  membrane  of  the  bone  or 
cartilage  becomes  inflamed  there  may  be  great 
lameness  for  several  months  before  any  enlarge- 
ment takes  place,  and  it  is  somewhat  difficult  to 
detect.  The  absence  of  other  diseases  of  the  foot, 
with  some  heat  in  the  pasterns,  and  soreness  on 
pressure  or  moving  the  joints.  In  other  cases  the 
enlargement  may  make  its  appearance  for  some 
time  before  the  horse  becomes  lame,  and  in  some 
cases  it  may  never  cause  any  lameness,  but  should 
always  be  looked  upon  with  suspicion,  as  in  the 
majority  of  cases  they  sooner  or  later  cause  lame- 
ness. Ringbone  is  more  difficult  to  cure  on  the 
fore  foot  than  on  the  hind  one,  as  the  pasterns  are 
more  upright  on  the  former  than  on  the  latter,  and 
besides,  the  horse's  fore  legs  have  to  bear  two- 
thirds  the  weight  of  the  body. 

Treatment:  The  horse  should  have  rest,  and 
the  shoes  be  removed  and  the  foot  pared  level.  If 
there  is  heat  in  the  part  keep  it  wet  with  acetate 
of  lead  half  an  ounce,  to  the  quart  of  water,  by 
means  of  a  bandage  saturated  with  it.  Continue 
tjiis  for  a  few  days,  then  apply  a  blister  composed 
of  cantharides  two  drams,  biniodide  of  mercury 


218  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

one  drain,  lard  two  ounces.  Rub  on  a  third  of 
this  with  the  fingers.  It  is  not  necessary  to  cut 
off  the  hair  if  the  blister  is  well  rubbed  in.  Let  it 
remain  on  for  twenty-four  hours,  then  wash  off  and 
rub  on  a  little  lard.  Repeat  every  second  week 
until  three  blisters  have  been  applied.  Keep  the 
horse's  head  tied  up  while  the  blister  is  on.  The 
horse  should  have  a  few  months'  rest  after  the 
blisters.  If  this  does  not  cure  it,  then  fire.  This  is 
done  by  cutting  off  the  hair  and  using  the  firing 
irons  made  for  the  purpose.  Have  them  red  hot, 
and  burn  five  or  six  tracks  up  and  down  the  en- 
largement deep  enough  to  almost  burn  through 
the  skin.  The  iron  should  be  drawn  up  and  down 
lightly  several  times,  making  all  the  tracks,  then 
going  over  them  caxefully  until  you  get  them  to 
the  desired  depth,  taking  care  not  to  burn  the 
coronary  band,  then  rub  on  a  little  lard  or  vase- 
line. Nothing  more  is  needed  for  two  weeks.  At 
the  end  of  that  time  if  the  marks  are  drying  up 
and  there  has  been  no  discharge  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  rub  on  a  little  ointment  made  by  mixing 
two  drams  of  cantharides  with  one  and  a  half 
ounces  of  lard  and  rub  on  a  little  of  that  once  a 
day  until  there  is  a  discharge  from  the  burned 
tracks.  Keep  this  up  for  five  or  six  weeks,  then 
let  it  heal  up,  and  give  the  animal  several  months' 
rest. 

Hip  Joint  Lameness. — Hip  joint  lameness  is 
very  rare  in  the  horse,  as  this  joint  and  the  muscles 
of  the  hip  are  not  brought  into  so  severe  a  strain 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  219 

as  the  other  joints  of  the  limb.  The  causes  are 
principally  falls  or  injuries,  such  as  kicks,  and 
sometimes  rheumatism. 

Symptoms :  There  will  be  some  swelling,  which 
can  be  easily  detected  by  standing  behind  the  ani- 
mal and  viewing  both  hip  joints,  and  if  the  animal 
is  standing  solid  on  both  hind  feet  there  will  be 
no  difficulty  in  seeing  the  slightest  swelling,  if 
there  be  any.  In  severe  cases  the  horse  will  hop 
and  catch  in  the  lame  leg.  When  the  animal  is 
moved  and  while  at  rest  it  will  usually  hold  up  the 
leg  off  the  ground,  the  muscles  below  the  hip  sup- 
porting the  limb.  Heat  may  be  felt  over  the  seat 
of  lameness  and  pain  caused  by  pressure.  At  first 
the  muscles  seem  to  be  elevated,  but  if  it  lasts  long 
the  muscles  soon  waste. 

Treatment:  Give  the  animal  complete  rest,  and 
if  it  rests  on  the  toe  benefit  will  be  obtained  by  put- 
ting on  a  high-heeled  shoe;  but  if  the  animal  holds 
its  foot  off  the  ground,  it  would  do  more  harm 
than  good  from  the  extra  weight  of  the  shoe.  In 
the  early  stages  of  the  disease  bathe  with  cold 
water  and  apply  some  of  the  lead  lotion  before 
mentioned.  In  the  second  stage  hot  water  is  the 
best,  and  apply  a  little  of  the  following  after  each 
bathing:  Tincture  of  opium  two  ounces,  tincture 
of  arnica  two  ounces,  fluid  extract  of  belladonna 
one  ounce,  water  four  ounces.  After  all  swelling 
and  heat  are  removed  and  the  animal  still  lame, 
blister  the  part  with  cantharides  two  drams,  lard 
one  ounce.  Let  it  remain  on  for  twenty-four  hours, 
then  wash  off  and  apply  a  little  lard.    Repeat  in 


220  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

two  or  three  weeks,  if  necessary.  This  blistering 
with  cantharides  will  draw  out  the  deep-seated  in- 
flammation and  act  as  an  alterative4,  bringing  a 
healthy  action  to  the  part.  No  other  blister  has 
this  action.  This  1  have  discovered  from  practical 
experience.  The  horse  should  not  be  put  to  work 
for  some  time  after  the  lameness  disappears. 

Strains  and  Wasting  of  Muscles  of  Hip. — The 
large  muscles  of  the  hip  are  liable  to  strains,  and 
there  is  a  great  tendency  for  these  muscles  to 
waste  as  a  result  of  the  strain.  This  is  called  by 
horsemen  "half  hipped." 

Symptoms:  When  these  muscles  are  strained 
or  injured  the'frnimal  has  difficulty  in  bringing  its 
leg  forward,  and  has  the  appearance  of  being  stiff 
in  its  back.  When  the  animal  is  at  rest  it  will 
usually  stand  solid  on  the  leg  of  the  injured  side, 
as  well  as  on  the  other.  The  treatment  will  be  the 
same  as  for  hip  joint  lameness. 

Strains  and  Wasting  of  the  Crural  Muscles  (the 
Muscles  in  Front  of  the  Thigh  Bone). — These  mus- 
cles are  connected  with  the  patella,  the  "knee 
cap."  When  sprains  or  injuries  to  these  muscles 
take  place  the  animal  has  no  power  to  bring  the 
leg  forward,  and  if  made  to  walk  the  stifle  joint 
drops  down,  giving  the  animal  the  appearance 
as  if  it  would  fall  on  that  side,  and  knuckles  over 
at  the  fetlock  joint.  After  a  time  the  muscles 
waste  and  there  is  a  sinking  in  of  the  part,  and  the 
muscle  loses  its  action,  and  is  partially  paralyzed. 
The  treatment  will  be  as  above,  but  benefit  may 
be  obtained  by  giving  nerve  tonics;   nux  vomica 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE  221 

two  ounces,  sulphate  of  iron  four  ounces;  mix  and 
divide  into  twenty-four  doses,  and  give  one  morn- 
ing and  night  in  bran  mash.  I  have  had  a  number 
of  cases  of  this  form  of  lameness  and  all  have  got- 
ten well  by  the  use  of  the  cantharides  blister  and 
the  nerve  tonics. 

Stifle  Joint  Lameness.— Stifle  joint  lameness  is 
characterized  by  the  inability  of  the  animal  to 
bring  its  leg  forward,  that  is  when  the  injury  is 
severe  and  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  patella, 
"knee  cap."  This  can  be  easily  understood.  To 
bring  the  leg  forward  or  backward  the  stifle  bone 
moves  on  a  pulley-like  surface  at  the  lower  end 
and  in  front  of  the  thigh  bone,  and  an  injury  to  this 
part  or  dislocation  makes  it  impossible  for  the 
animal  to  use  this  joint.  It  may  be  standing  on  its 
foot,  but  more  often  with  the  leg  a  little  backward, 
and  if  made  to  move  forward  will  do  so  on  the 
three  legs,  while  the  injured  one  will  be  held  out 
straight  behind.  Some  horses  will,  by  the  aid  of 
the  muscles  of  the  hip  and  thigh,  bring  the  leg 
forward  in  a  circular  motion,  keeping  the  stifle 
joint  straight.  If  the  animal  can  stand  with  its 
foot  forward  there  will  be  no  use  looking  for  the 
lameness  in  this  joint.  I  mention  this  because  I 
have  found  so  many  horsemen  locating  the  lame- 
ness of  the  hock,  foot,  and  other  parts  of  the  limb, 
in  this  joint.  The  stifle  joint  is  liable  to  injury 
from  a  horse  kicking  its  neighbor  in  the  stall, 
especially  in  cases  when  the  partition  between 
them  is  too  short.  I  have  seen  many  valuable 
horses  destroyed  in  this  way.     Some  horses  when 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

not  feeding  stand  back  in  their  stall,  thus  giving 
their  neighbors  the  opportunity  of  kicking  them 
if  so  inclined,  and  the  stifle  or  its  vicinity  is  usu- 
ally the  place  injured.  Severe  injuries  to  the  stifle 
joint  are  often  dangerous  to  the  life  of  the  animal. 
I  have  seen  several  cases  of  death  from  a  severe 
form  of  inflammation  in  the  joint,  terminating  in 
mortification.  All  injuries  to  this  joint  should  be 
treated  with  great  promptness  in  case  of  the  above 
result.  Give  the  animal  complete  rest,  and  keep 
the  part  constantly  wet  with  acetate  of  lead  half 
an  ounce,  water  one  quart.  If  there  is  great  pain 
add  from  one  to  two  ounces  tincture  of  opium  to 
the  lotion.  After  all  inflammation  is  subdued  and 
the  animal  is  still  lame  apply  a  blister  of  canthar- 
ides  two  drams,  lard  one  ounce;  rub  this  on  the 
outside  of  the  joint  only,  as  the  skin  on  the  inside 
is  very  thin  and  tender.  If  it  is  necessary  to  use 
it  on  the  inside  it  should  be  reduced  in  strength 
by  one-third.  If  matter  should  form  it  is  best  to 
let  it  break  of  its  own  accord,  then  foment  it  with 
warm  water,  and  inject  warm  water  to  clean  it 
out,  after  which  inject  a  teaspoonful  or  two  of  a 
solution  of  chloride  of  zinc  one  dram,  water  one 
pint.  Do  this  twice  daily.  If  there  should  be  a 
soft  swelling  left  after  it  is  healed,  use  biniodide 
of  mercury  one  dram,  lard  one  and  one-half  ounces; 
rub  on  a  little  of  this  every  second  week  for  a 
month  or  two. 

( 'ramps  of  the  Muscles  of  the  Thigh. — This  af« 
fection  I  have  often  seen  in  the  trotting  horse.  A 
well-marked  case  of  this  kind    came    under  my 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  223 

notice  a  few  years  ago.     A  five-year-old  stallion 
was  tracked  for  a  month  with  the  intention  of 
putting  him  into  the  fall  races.    After  being  driven 
one  or  two  heats,  all  at  once  he  would  go  lame  in 
one  hind  leg,  so  lame  at  times  he  could  not  be 
moved  off  the  track.  After  resting  for  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes  he  could  walk  fairly  well,  and  in  half  an 
hour's  time  would  be  as  well  as  ever,  and  might 
trot  several  times  around  the  track  all  right ;  but  if 
put  to  his  speed  after  trotting  for  a  while  the  same 
thing  would  take  place.    I  was  requested  to  ex- 
amine the  horse.     I  found  him  at  rest  and  could 
not  discover  anything  wrong,  so  I  had  him  speeded. 
He  went  twice  around  all  right,  but  after  passing 
the  first  quarter  pole  he  went  on  three  legs.    I  was 
at  his  side  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  found  the 
large   muscles  of  the   back  of   the  thigh   badly 
cramped  and  as  hard  as  iron.    In  a  few  minutes 
they  began  to  relax  and  the  animal  was  able  to 
walk  to  his  stable.     I  considered  this  was  caused 
by  the  nerve  supplying  these  muscles  being  de- 
ranged in  some  way  by  the  driving,  as  it  required 
violent  exercise  to  develop  it.   I  ordered  the  animal 
to  be  rested  for  a  couple  of  months  and  to  have  one 
dram  of  powdered  nux  vomica  and  one  dram  sul- 
phate of  iron  once  daily  in  a  small   bran  mash. 
The  animal  was  then  put  on  the  track  again  and 
did   good  work  for  three  weeks,  when  the  old 
trouble  showed  itself  again.    The  animal  was  then 
taken  off  the  track  for  the  winter,  during  which  he 
did  some  moderate  driving.    In  the  following  sea- 
son he  was  put  on  the  track,  and  as  long  as  I  knew 


224  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

him  he  did  good  fast  work,  without  showing  any 
symptoms  of  his  old  affection.  I  have  had  several 
cases  of  the  same  kind,  and  the  only  remedy  is  to 
give  a  long  rest,  with  iron  and  nux  vomica.  Give 
for  two  weeks,  then  skip  two,  and  give  again,  and 
so  on. 

Cramps  of  the  Stifle  Muscles. — Young  horses 
and  colts  are  subject  to  cramps  of  the  stifle.  The 
symptoms  are:  The  animal  stands  with  the  leg 
fixed  to  the  ground  or  extended  out  behind  him ; 
while  the  cramp  lasts  the  animal  cannot  move  its 
leg.  It  comes  on  and  goes  off  suddenly,  or  in  some 
cases  it  lasts  for  several  days.  Prof.  Williams, 
of  Edinburgh,  says  that  it  is  caused  by  indiges- 
tion and  that  a  good  physic  will  remove  it.  If 
the  animal  is  subject  to  it  it  will  be  well  to  give 
it  a  dose  of  physic,  aloes  one  ounce,  ginger  one 
ounce, carbonate  of  soda  one  ounce; dissolve  in  half 
a  pint  of  boiling  water,  add  half  a  pint  of  cold  water 
and  give  at  one  dose;  half  this  quantity  for  a  colt 
from  one  to  twTo  years  old.  This  trouble  seldom 
requires  any  treatment.  In  those  cases  which  last 
more  than  an  hour  or  two  give  bromide  of  potass, 
in  one-ounce  doses  three  times  a  day  in  a  small 
bran  mash,  and  rub  the  muscles  around  the  stifle 
twice  a  day  with  camphorated  liniment 

Diseases  of  the  Hock  (Bog-Spavin). — This  joint 
corresponds  to  the  ankle  joint  in  man  and  is  the 
one  in  the  horse  most  liable  to  injury.  This  joint 
has  wThat  is  termed  true  and  false  joints.  The  true 
joint  is  where  it  articulates  with  the  lower  end 
of  the  tibia  and  upper  surface  of  the  astragalus. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  225 

The  false  joint  is  that  between  the  lower  end  of 
the  astragalus  and  cuneiform  bones.  The  last- 
named  is  only  a  gliding  and  has  no  hinge  motion 
like  the  upper  one  and  is  the  seat  of  bone  spavin. 
There  is  a  baggy  ligament  called  the  capsular  sit- 
uated in  front  and  inside  of  the  hock  joint.  The 
use  of  this  ligament  is  to  protect  a  very  delicate 
membrane  which  secretes  the  synovial  fluid  (joint 
oil),  to  lubricate  the  joint.  When  this  ligament 
and  its  membrane  become  irritated  from  strains, 
bruises  or  other  injuries,  it  is  apt  to  secrete  too 
much  joint  oil,  and  the  result  is  that  there  is  a 
bulging  of  the  ligament.  This  is  what  constitutes 
What  is  called  bog-spavin.  This  is  a  very  common 
trouble  among  heavy  draft  colts,  and  sometimes 
adult  draft  horses,  as  they  usually  have  big,  loose 
joints  and  a  number  of  them  have  crooked  hind 
legs,  although  it  may  occur  on  any  kind  of  hock. 

Symptoms  of  bog-spavin  are  more  or  less  bulg- 
ing in  front  and  a  little  to  the  inside  of  the  hock 
joint.  It  seldom  causes  lameness  and  may  appear 
suddenly  or  by  degrees.  If  there  is  lameness  the 
other  structures  will  be  affected.  There  will  be 
heat  and  pain  and  a  stiffness  of  the  joint. 

Treatment:  When  heat  and  soreness  present 
themselves  bathe  several  times  a  day  with  cold 
water  and  apply  a  little  lead  lotion  after  each 
bathing,  half  an  ounce  of  lead  acetate  to  the  quart 
of  water.  After  the  heat  has  subsided  or  in  cases 
where  there  has  been  no  heat  or  soreness  use  bin- 
iodide  of  mercury  one  dram,  lard  one  ounce.    Rub 


226  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

on  a  little  with  the  fingers,  let  it  remain  on  for 
twenty-four  hours,  then  wash  off  and  apply  a  little 
lard.  Repeat  every  second  week  and  continue  it 
for  several  months  if  necessary.  It  usually  re- 
quires a  number  of  applications  to  remove  it. 
Keep  the  animal  in  the  stable  and  tie  up  his  head 
so  that  he  cannot  get  his  mouth  to  it  until  the 
blister  is  washed  off.  The  horse  can  then  be  turned 
out  to  grass  until  it  is  time  to  put  on  another  blis- 
ter. 

Thorough-Pin. — Thorough-pin  is  an  enlarge- 
ment situated  on  the  sides  and  upper  part  of  the 
hock  joint,  arising  from  disease  of  the  sheath  of 
the  back  tendon.  The  fluid  with  which  it  is  filled 
can  be  pressed  from  one  side  to  the  other;  hence 
the  term  thorough-pin.  It  is  of  the  same  nature 
as  bog-spavin,  and  is  caused  by  strains  or  other 
injuries.  Short,  upright  hock  joints  are  more  lia- 
ble to  thorough-pin  than  well-formed  ones.  They 
seldom  cause  lameness  and  are  only  blemishes. 
They  can  sometimes  be  removed  by  the  same 
treatment  as  that  described  for  bog-spavin. 
Puncturing  has  been  recommended,  but  cases 
which  I  have  seen  usually  fill  up  again.  Williams 
says  if  a  puncture  is  to  be  made  at  all,  it  should 
be  at  the  bottom  of  the  swelling,  sufficiently  large 
to  allow  the  complete  removal  of  the  fluid,  and  it 
should  remain  open  for  some  days.  No  fear  need 
be  entertained,  although  signs  of  pain  and  fever 
may  ensue,  as  an  open  bursa  is  not  so  serious  as 
an  open  joint    I  think,  as  it  does  not  cause  lame- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


227 


ness,  and  in  the  majority  of  cases  it  can  be  re- 
moved by  the  blisters,  that  it  is  safer  not  to 
operate. 

Bone-Spavin. — Bone-spavin  may  be  defined  as 
an  exostosis  (growth  of  bone)  on  the   inner  and 


PLATE  5.    NATURAL  HOCK-JOINT. 

lower  part  of  the  hock,  arising  from  inflammation 
of  the  small  bones  of  the  hock  terminating  gen- 
erally in  anchylosis  of  one  or  more  of  the  gliding 
joints  of  the  hock,  according  to  Prof.  Williams. 
The  reason  why  spavin  appears  on  the  inside  of  the 
hock  and  seldom  on  the  outside  can  be  explained. 


223 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


The  inside  of  the  leg  is  more  under  the  center  line 
of  gravity,  and  therefore  greater  weight  is  thrown 
upon  the  inside  of  the  joint  and  is  more  likely  to 
be  sprained  on  that  account.  Spavin  seems  to  be 
a  disease  peculiar  to  the  horse,  as  it  is  seldom  that 


PLATE 


SHOWING   SITUATION  OF   BONE- 
SPAVIN. 


we  find  it  on  working  oxen,  no  matter  how  roughly 
they  are  used.  Spavins  are  caused  by  local  in- 
juries, such  as  sprains,  bruises,  and  kicks.  Some 
breeds  of  horses  have  a  hereditary  tendency, 
whether  they  have  a  well-formed  joint  or  not.  The 
slightest  injury  to  some   horses   will   produ  :e  a 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  229 

bony  deposit  on  some  of  the  bones  of  the  leg;  such 
as  splints,  ringbone,  and  spavin.  Animals  having 
this  tendency  should  not  be  used  for  breeding  pur- 
poses. A  crooked,  badly-formed  hock  joint  is  more 
liable  to  spavin  than  a  well-formed  one,  providing 
that  the  well-formed  one  has  no  hereditary  tend- 
ency. There  are  two  forms  of  spavin,  one  of  which 
forms  on  the  outside  of  the  bones.  The  other  first 
affects  the  cartilage  of  the  joint,  and  will  cause 
lameness  for  a  long  time  before  it  shows  any  ex- 
ternal enlargement.  The  enlargement  on  the  out- 
side may  show  itself  for  some  time  before  it  causes 
lameness. 

Symptoms  of  spavin:  Often  the  first  thing  no- 
ticed wrong  is  that  when  the  animal  is  made  to 
stand  over  in  its  stall,  it  will  give  a  hitch  on  the 
sound  leg.  When  it  is  taken  out  it  may  not  show 
any  lameness,  or  if  it  does  it  may  only  be  for  the 
first  few  steps,  but  by  and  by  it  takes  longer  time 
to  pass  off.  Every  time  the  horse  is  stopped  for  a 
few  minutes  it  will  start  off  with  a  hitch,  until 
finally  the  animal  becomes  very  lame,  and  may  be 
lame  all  through  the  journey.  Another  early 
symptom  is  that  every  time  he  is  stopped  he  will 
rest  the  toe  of  the  affected  limb.  The  method  of 
examining  a  horse  for  spavin  is  to  let  it  cool  off  in 
the  stable,  then  back  it  up,  and  if  there  is  anything 
wrong  with  the  hock  joint  it  will  require  some 
urging  to  get  it  to  back,  and  when  it  does  so  it  will 
bring  the  toe  of  the  sore  limb  to  the  ground  before 
the  heel,  and  hitch  on  the  well  leg.  Take  the 
horse  out  and  make  it  stand  solid  on  its  hind  feet, 


230  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

then  look  through  between  its  fore  legs  and  see 
if  the  joints  of  the  hock  are  the  same.  If  you  can- 
not discover  anything,  then  stand  at  the  horse's 
shoulder  and  look  to  the  opposite  hind  leg,  then  do 
the  same  on  the  other  side,  and  see  if  both  joints 
are  the  same  from  that  direction;  then  rub  the 
hand  down  over  the  well  one  first,  then  over  the 
suspected  one  to  feel  if  there  is  any  difference.  If 
none  is  found,  then  you  may  conclude  that  the 
horse  has  what  is  termed  an  occult  spavin;  that  is, 
the  kind  of  spavin  in  which  the  cartilages  between 
the  bones  are  affected.  To  detect  this  form  of 
spavin  it  will  be  necessary  to  take  the  horse  out  on 
the  road.  One  man  takes  him  by  the  halter,  and 
has  him  ready  to  start  on  the  trot  when  wanted. 
The  examiner  lifts  up  the  lame  leg.  If  it  is  the 
right  hind  leg  he  will  put  his  right  arm  on  the  in- 
side of  the  leg,  the  point  of  the  hock  resting  under 
the  arm-pit.  Then  clasp  both  hands  around  the 
flexed  fetlock,  then  press  on  the  point  of  the  hock 
with  the  arm-pit;  at  the  same  time  the  arms  will 
brace  the  fetlock  joint.  Then  by  moving  the  leg- 
backward  and  forward  you  will  bring  considerable 
force  on  the  hock  joint,  then  drop  the  leg  and  start 
the  horse  off  on  a  trot,  and  if  the  hock  is  the  part 
affected  it  will  start  off  very  lame,  or  in  some  cases 
on  three  legs.  If  this  is  properly  done  it  will  indi- 
cate to  you  without  doubt  that  the  lameness  is  in 
the  hock  joint. 

Treatment:  A  number  of  cases  of  bone-spavin 
can  be  cured.  Those  that  are  low  down  on  the 
joint  are  usually  curable.    Those  high  up,  involv- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  231 

ing  the  true  hinge  joint  of  the  hock,  are  incurable. 
In  the  early  stages,  where  there  is  acute  inflamma- 
tion, give  complete  rest  and  apply  cold  water  con- 
stantly for  several  days,  then  apply  cantharides 
two  drams,  biniodide  of  mercury  one  dram,  lard 
two  ounces.  Mix  and  rub  in  well  a  little  with  the 
fingers.  Let  it  remain  on  twenty-four  hours,  then 
wash  off  and  rub  on  a  little  lard.  Repeat  every 
second  week  until  three  or  four  blisters  have  been 
applied.  Give  at  least  threemonths' rest.  If  this 
has  not  cured  it,  it  will  be  necessary  to  fire  it.  This 
is  done  by  cutting  off  the  hair  and  heating  the  iron 
to  a  red  heat  and  burning  a  straight  mark  from  the 
top  of  the  hock  to  the  bottom;  then  make  three  or 
four  marks  from  the  center  one  like  a  crow's  foot. 
These  marks  or  lines  should  be  burned  deep 
enough  to  almost  cut  through  the  skin,  but  not 
altogether.  In  firing  the  iron  should  not  be  pressed 
but  rubbed  upward  and  downward;  the  weight  of 
the  iron  is  enough.  When  the  operation  is  com- 
pleted rub  on  a  little  lard;  that  is  usually  all  that 
is  needed.  I  have  operated  on  a  great  number  of 
horses  for  ringbone  and  spavin  and  find  that  what 
is  called  the  smooth  iron  is  the  best.  About  nine 
out  of  every  ten  cases  get  well  if  properly  fired 
with  the  smooth  iron.  In  two  weeks  after  the  op- 
eration has  been  performed  if  it  should  be  drying 
up  and  showing  no  signs  of  matter  forming  rub  on 
a  little  cantharides  blister;  but  if  it  is  sore  and  a 
little  matter  has  formed,  let  it  alone.  I  like  to  keep 
it  sore  for  five  or  six  weeks,  then  let  it  heal  up  of  its 
own  accord.     Allow  the  animal  several  months' 


232  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

rest,  either  in  the  pasture  or  loose  box.  In  some 
few  eases  which  did  not  get  over  their  lameness  I 
have  fired  a  second  time.  This  should  not  be  done 
inside  of  one  year. 

Curb. — This  is  an  injury  or  sprain  to  the  cal- 
caneocuboid ligament.  This  is  an  elastic  liga- 
ment which  extends  from  the  back  part  of  the 
point  of  the  hock  to  the  head  of  the  canon  bone. 
This  elastic  ligament  is  placed  there  to  strengthen 
the  hock  joint,  and  is  very  liable  to  strains,  espe- 
cially holding  back  heavy  loads  going  down  hill, 
or  backing  up  heavy  loads,  or  the  hind  legs  slip- 
ping too  far  under  the  animal.  It  is  caused  by 
kicks  or  by  the  whiffietrees  striking  against  it. 
Some  horses  have  what  is  called  curby  hocks. 
That  is,  the  back  part  of  the  hocks  round  out.  This 
must  be  distinguished  from  curb.  When  the  en- 
largement is  on  the  belly  of  the  tendon  it  is  much 
easier  removed  than  when  it  is  on  the  part  where 
the  tendon  is  attached  to  the  bone.  The  reason  of 
this  is  that  when  it  is  injured  in  this  part  the  bone 
is  likely  to  be  injured  also,  and  instead  of  having  a 
soft  bunch  there  will  be  a  hard,  bony  one.  In 
treating  curb  this  has  to  be  taken  into  considera- 
tion. Curb  often  causes  lameness  when  it  first 
comes  on,  and  there  may  be  considerable  inflam- 
mation in  the  surrounding  parts,  causing  swelling. 
There  are  other  cases  which  do  not  cause  lame- 
ness. 

Treatment:  In  the  cases  where  there  is  inflam- 
mation, keep  the  animal  in  the  stable,  and  put  on 
a  high-heeled  shoe.     This  will  raise  the  heel  and 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


233 


slacken  the  ligament.    Then  put  on  several  thick- 
nesses of  cloth  around  the  joint  and  keep  it  con- 
stantly wet  with  acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce, 
tincture  of  arnica  two  ounces,  water  one  quart.    In 
a  few  days  this  treatment  will  remove  the  inflam- 
mation and  the  lameness.    If  there  is  any  enlarge- 
ment left,  blister  it  with  biniodide  of  mercury  one 
dram,  lard  one  ounce.     Repeat  in  two  or  three 
weeks  if  necessary.     If  there  is  no  inflammation 
blister  at  once.    If  it  is  down  where  the  tendon  is 
attached  to  the  bone  and  is  hard  use  cantharides 
two  drams,  biniodide  of  mercury  one  dram,  lard 
two  ounces.    Apply  a  little  of  this  every  third  week 
and  continue  it  for  several  months  if  needed.     I 
have  had  a  number  of  cases  in  which  the  first  blis- 
ters seemed  to  have  no  effect  in  reducing  the  lump, 
but  by  continuing  it  for  several  months  absorption 
took  place  and  the  enlargement  disappeared.     In 
cases  where  animals  have  a  natural  curby  hock 
and  it  does  not  cause  lameness  it  is  best  to  let  it 
alone,  as  it  is  not  at  all  likely  that  it  can  be  re- 
moved; it  is  only  a  loss  of  time  and  torture  to  the 
horse.     The  disease  of  the  back  tendons  and  fet- 
lock joints  are  the  same  as  on  the  fore  legs. 

Injuries  to  the  Hock  Joint.— The  hock  joint  is 
very  liable  to  injuries  from  being  kicked  by  other 
horses,  and  is  also  liable  to  sprains,  which  often 
set  up  violent  inflammation,  with  great  swelling 
and  lameness,  and  if  not  treated  in  time  will  form 
matter,  and  in  some  cases  destroy  the  joint  or 
cause  the  death  of  the  animal.  No  matter  what 
has  caused  the  injury,  we  should  aim  at  keeping 


234  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

down  the  inflammation.  This  is  best  done  by  put- 
ting the  animal  in  a  loose  box,  or  in  very  bad  cases 
putting  the  horse  in  slings.  Then  take  the  leg  of 
a  pair  of  pants  and  draw  it  over  the  foot  and  up 
over  the  hock  joint.  Take  a  piece  of  wide  elastic 
and  cut  it  the  proper  length  to  go  around  the  leg, 
then  sew  it  and  put  it  over  the  upper  part  of  the 
pants  leg.  This  will  give  when  the  animal  bends 
its  leg,  and  will  not  slip  down.  Then  fill  in  be- 
tween the  pants  and  the  leg  wTitli  soft  cotton,  and 
tie  below  the  hock.  Keep  this  constantly  wet  with 
lead  lotion,  half  an  ounce  of  the  acetate  and  half 
an  ounce  of  sulphate  of  zinc  to  the  quart  of  water. 
At  the  end  of  the  third  day  if  there  is  no  improve- 
ment, then  use  hot  fomentations  and  poultices  of 
linseed  meal.  If  matter  should  form  let  it  break 
of  its  own  accord,  and  when  it  does  clean  out  the 
openings  with  warm  water  and  inject  a  little  of 
the  following:  Chloride  of  zinc  one  dram,  water 
one  pint.  If  there  is  much  lameness  at  this  stage 
apply  a  cantharides  blister,  one  part  of  canthar- 
ides  to  four  of  lard.  This  can  be  applied  every  sec- 
ond week.  It  will  remove  the  soreness  and  stim- 
ulate the  part  into  a  healthy  condition.  The  ani- 
mal should  get  half  an  ounce  nitrate  of  potassium 
in  a  bran  mash  if  there  is  much  fever. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  235 


CHAPTER  XX. 

DISEASES  OF  THE   FEET. 

A  better  idea  of  the  diseases  of  the  foot  can  be 
had  by  some  knowledge  of  the  substances  which 
enter  into  its  construction.    The  soft  parts  of  the 
foot  are  protected  by  a  horny  box  called  the  hoof. 
The  hoof  is  divided  into  three  parts,  viz.,  the  wall, 
sole,  and  frog.    Each  of  these  has  a  separate  func- 
tion to  perform,  but  all  unite  in  protecting  the  sen- 
sitive parts  of  the  foot.     The  wall  is  composed  of  a 
multitude  of  fibers  which  run  from  the  top  of  the 
hoof  to  the  sole,  with  which  it  unites.  The  external 
layer  is  hard  and  covered  by  a  cement  substance, 
which  prevents  the  escape  of  moisture;  also  pre- 
vents moisture  from  penetrating  into  it.    The  next 
layer  is  a  little  softer,  while  the  internal  surface  is 
composed  of  a  great  number  of  plates  called  the 
horny  laminae,  which  correspond  to  the  sensitive 
laminae.    The  wall  receives  the  substance,  which 
develops  it  from  the  coronary  band  or  ligament, 
which  is  situated  at  the  top  of  the  wall  in  the  same 
manner  as  our  nails.     Anything  which  interferes 
with  the  health  of  this  band  prevents  the  healthy 
growth  of  the  wall,  hence  a  dry,  brittle  hoof.    The 
horny  sole  resembles   the    wall,  only   instead  of 
fibers  it  is  composed  of  plates  in  layers.     These 
plates  are  developed  from  the  sensitive  sole.  They 


236  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

are  soft  at  first,  and  gradually  harden  as  they  ap- 
proach the  surface.  In  some  cases  the  surface 
layer  may  have  a  mealy  appearance,  the  outer 
layer  is  constantly  wearing  off,  and  new  ones 
forming.  In  a  well-formed  foot  the  sole  is  strong 
and  arched  to  give  strength  to  the  wall,  and  also 
to  protect  the  sensitive  sole  from  injuries.  In 
cases  where  nature  has  only  formed  a  thin,  weak 
sole,  or  where  it  has  been  reduced  in  thickness  by 
the  blacksmith's  knife,  it  is  then  not  in  a  condition 
to  sustain  the  pressure  it  was  intended  for,  and  as 
a  result  the  whole  foot  suffers,  and  the  horse  be- 
comes lame.  The  bars  at  the  back  part  of  the  sole 
unite  with  the  wall  at  right  angles,  forming  a 
strong  support  to  the  wall,  and  also  to  the  sole, 
preventing  contraction  of  the  heels.  The  frog  is 
the  prominent,  somewhat  pyramidical,  spongy 
mass  of  horn  lodged  between  the  bars,  and  filling 
up  the  triangular  space.  The  frog  varies  in  shape 
and  size,  but  is  always  well  developed  in  a  well- 
formed  foot.  There  are  three  cavities,  called  the 
clefts  of  the  frog.  These  clefts  allow  the  elastic 
or  spongy  elevations  of  the  frog  to  expand  on  pres- 
sure. It  is  secreted  or  grows  from  the  sensitive 
frog.  The  use  of  the  frog  is  to  lessen  concussion 
and  bear  a  little  of  the  weight  of  the  body,  and  if 
this  frog  is  not  large  or  is  cut  down  so  that  it  does 
not  come  in  contact  with  the  ground,  derange- 
ments of  the  other  structures  soon  ensue. 

Soft  Structures  of  the  Foot. — These  are  the  lat- 
eral cartilages,  sensitive  laminae,  sensitive  sole, 
sensitive  frog,  and  the  coronary  band  or  ligament. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AN*)  CATTLE.  237 

Beneath  these  substances  are  the  hard  structures, 
viz.,  the  coffin  bone,  navicular,  and  the  oscorone 
(lower  pastern).  These  bones  are  held  together 
by  ligaments,  and  are  clothed  by  the  sensitive  sub- 
stance mentioned.  The  lateral  cartilages  are  two 
thin  plates  of  clear  cartilage  in  the  middle,  and  a 
mixture  of  fibers  and  cartilage  toward  the  bor- 
ders. They  are  attached  to  the  wing  of  the  coffin 
bone,  pass  down  over  the  sensitive  frog,  and  pro- 
ject upward  to  the  coronary  band.  They  act  as 
braces  to  the  heels. 

The  Sensitive  Laminae. — This  is  continuous 
with  the  coronary  band,  and  is  attached  to  the  cof- 
fin bone  by  a  dense  fibrous  membrane.  It  is  com- 
posed of  a  number  of  very  highly  organized  plates, 
composed  largely  of  blood  vessels,  nerves,  and  lym- 
phatics, held  together  by  a  very  fine  network  of 
fibrous  tissue,  and  is  attached  to  the  horny  lam- 
inae interposed  between  the  plates.  This  is  the 
most  sensitive  structure  of  the  body,  and  is  the 
part  affected  in  founder. 

The  Sensitive  Sole. — This  is  continuous  with  the 
sensitive  laminae  and  frog,  and  is  firmly  attached 
to  the  inferior  surface  of  the  coffin  bone.  Like  the 
sensitive  laminae  it  is  made  up  of  a  highly  vascu- 
lar, fibrous  membrane,  and  is  covered  by  the  villi, 
which  secretes  the  horny  sole. 

The  Sensitive  Frog, — This  is  situated  beneath 
the  horny  frog,  and  is  made  up  of  an  intermixture 
of  yellow  fibro-cellular  tissue  of  a  peculiar  elastic 
nature,  and  has  been  described  as  fat.  It  is  not 
nearly  so  sensitive  as  the   structures    just  men- 


238  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

tioned.     It  is  covered  by  a  layer  of  villi  which  se- 
cretes the  horny  frog. 

The  Coronary  Substance,  or  Band. — This  is  the 
vascular  structure  situated  on  the  upper  border  of 
the  wall.  It  consists  of  a  dense  fibrous  band, 
which  is  connected  with  the  coffin  bone  and  the 
extensor  tendon  by  dense  fibrous  tissue,  on  which 
reposes  a  plexus  of  blood  vessels,covered  by  a  mod- 


PLATE  7.  SHOWING  THE  FOOT  PREPARED 
FOR  THE  SHOE. 

ified  form  of  the  skin,  containing  a  number  of  little 
projections,  which  enter  into  funnel-shaped  open- 
ings in  the  crust.  The  horn  is  secreted  from  this 
part. 

Shoeing  the  Horse. — As  horses'  feet  were  made 
before  roads,  it  was  necessary  to  contrive  some- 
thing which  could  be  put  on  the  feet  to  protect 
them  from  breaking  up  or  wearing  down  too  fast. 
There,  has  been  a  great  deal  written  on  this  sub- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  239 

ject,  and  a  great  deal  of  it  has  been  based  on  false 
ideas;  such  as  considering  the  hoof  to  be  an  elas- 
tic box,  and  that  paring  and  thinning  down  the 
sole,  cutting  down  the  frog,  and  cutting  the  bars, 
etc.,  would  allow  it  to  expand.  This  method  the 
majority  of  blacksmiths  follow,  resulting  sooner 
or  later  in  the  destruction  of  the  foot.    Some  main- 


PLATE  8.    BEST  FORM  OF  SHOE  FOR  A  DRIV- 
ING   HORSE. 

tain  that  high  calkins  at  the  heels  are  useful  to 
relieve  the  back  tendon,  others  that  the  feet 
should  be  kept  soft  by  stuffing  with  clay,  linseed 
meal  and  other  stuffs,  all  of  which  are  unnecessary, 
if  not  hurtful  to  the  healthy  foot.  Without  com- 
menting on  what  others  have  done,  I  will  give  you 
my  experience  founded  on  facts  and  practiced  to 
the  advantage  of  the  horse  and  to  the  satisfaction 
and  profit  of  the  owner.    As  we  have  already  seen 


240  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

by  the  construction  of  the  horse's  hoof  and  its  use, 
it  is  only  necessary  to  follow  nature.  In  order  that 
a  healthy  foot  should  be  shod  and  kept  healthy  it 
is  first  essential  to  abolish  the  drawing  knife  and 
do  away  with  the  calkins  and  toe  pieces;  This 
can  be  done  in  the  case  of  the  driving  horses,  which 
have  light  work,  and  horses  on  the  farm. 
Heavy  draft  horses  in  the  city  must  have  calkins 
on  their  shoes  to  prevent  them  from  slipping  on  the 
stone  pavement,  although  it  is  injurious  to  the 
feet,  but  it  is  unnecessary  to  use  the  knife  on  them, 
and  this,  the  worst  of  evils,  can  be  averted.  The 
proper  system  of  shoeing  is  to  take  a  rasp  and  level 
the  wall,  so  that  a  margin  of  the  sole  will  bear  on 
the  shoe.  Have  the  bearing  surface  for  the  shoe 
about  three-quarters  of  an  inch  at  the  toe  and  not 
more  than  half  an  inch  at  the  heel.  On  this  level 
surface  put  on  a  level  shoe,  at  least  three-quarters 
of  an  inch  in  width  at  the  toe  and  half 
an  inch  at  the  heels.  The  shoe  should  be 
no  thicker  at  the  heel  than  at  the  toe, 
the  nails  should  not  be  driven  too  high,  and  for  the 
horse  of  light  work  four  nails  on  the  outside  and 
three  on  the  inside  are  sufficient.  The  rasping  on 
the  outer  surface  should  not  extend  above  the 
nails,  as  it  would  destroy  the  enamel,  which  was 
mentioned  was  there  for  the  purpose  of  preventing 
evaporation  from  the  foot  and  moisture  from  get- 
ting into  it.  A  horse  shod  in  this  way  has  all  parts 
of  its  feet  left  which  are  needed  to  support  the 
weight  of  the  body.  Williams  says:  "Experience 
and  anatomical  investigation  points  to  the  con- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  241 

elusion  that  the  sole  as  well  as  the  wall  is  intended 
to  perform  this  weight-bearing  function."  This 
principle  of  shoeing  I  carried  on  for  thirteen  years 
on  the  artillery  and  cavalry  horses  under  my  care, 
and  during  that  time  the  draw  knife  was  never 
used.  The  result  was  we  had  no  lame  horses.  The 
majority  of  them  had  as  sound  feet  at  the  end  as 
they  had  when  first  purchased.  On  the  other  hand 
I  will  give  you  a  description  of  the  ordinary 
method.  The  blacksmith  takes  his  knife,  pares  out 
the  sole  until  he  can  bend  it  with  the  pressure  of 
his  thumb;  then  he  cuts  down  the  frog,  opens  out 
the  heels,  as  they  call  it,  then  applies  a  hot  shoe  to 
the  wall  to  burn  the  part  where  the  shoe  is  not 
level,  and  these  parts  are  cut  down  to  fit  the  shoe 
instead  of  the  shoe  fitting  the  foot.  This  shoe  is 
usually  beveled,  except  a  small  bearing  surface  at 
the  heel,  where  it  is  level,  and  has  a  wider  bearing- 
surface.  This  shoe  is  then  nailed  on  and  the  hoof 
rasped  up  to  or  nearthetop,thusdestroyingtheen- 
amel.  This  the  smith  calls  a  neat  job.  The  result 
of  this  is,  the  horse  has  to  support  all  its  weight  on 
the  wall,  the  sole  taking  no  part.  The  beveled  part 
of  the  shoe  soon  sinks  into  the  wall,  and  a  great 
deal  of  pressure  is  brought  to  bear  on  the  heels, 
resulting  in  corns.  The  animal  having  to  sustain 
its  weight  on  the  walls,  they  are  more  or  less 
pressed  upward,  straining  their  attachments  with 
the  sensitive  laminae,  and  probably  pressing  on 
the  coronary  bands.  This  does  not  often  cause 
lameness  at  first,  but  it  is  sufficient  to  interfere 


242  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  ' 

with  the  healthy  functions  of  the  hoof,  resulting  by 
degrees  in  dryness  of  the  hoof  and  a  little  fever 
in  the  feet,  which  goes  on  from  bad  to  worse  until 
the  animal  becomes  what  is  called  tender  footed, 
and  finally  a  cripple;  but  in  some  cases  the  horse 
is  ruined  at  the  first  shoeing.  As  an  illustration: 
Col.  J.  bought  a  good,  sound  mare,  four  years  old, 
broken  to  drive  and  ride,  but  never  had  shoes  on. 
She  was  sent  to  the  shoeing  smith,  and  on  account 
of  the  animal  belonging  to  the  colonel  and  the 
mare  a  fine  one,  he  shod  her  in  what  he  would  call 
a  neat,  fancy  way.  The  next  day  the  colonel  rode 
her  a  few  miles,  and  on  returning  he  noticed  that 
she  flinched,  but  he  attributed  it  to  her  not  being 
used  to  the  saddle.  He  got  off  and  walked  part 
of  the  way  home,  and  when  he  arrived  there  he 
ordered  her  back  to  be  washed  and  a  soothing  lini- 
ment applied.  The  next  morning  she  could  not  be 
moved  in  her  stall.  The  smith  was  sent  for,  and 
said  the  trouble  was  in  the  shoulders  and  would 
pass  off  in  a  day  or  two.  It  did  not  pass  off  in 
three  days,  and  I  was  sent  for.  I  found  the  ani- 
mal  suffering  from  a  very  severe  attack  of  lamin- 
itis  (founder),  from  the  result  of  thinning  out  the 
sole,  so  that  all  the  weight  was  on  the  walls,  re- 
sulting in  affecting  the  sensitive  laminae  to  such 
a  degree  as  to  cause  inflammation  of  it,  as  well  as 
bruising  the  sensitive  sole.  The  animal  was 
treated,  but  it  being  a  very  severe  case  and  not 
attended  to  in  time  the  inflammation  had  done  its 
work  of  destruction.    In  order  to  keep  your  horse's 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  243 

feet  healthy  never  allow  the  smith  to  use  the  knife 
nor  put  calkins  on  the  shoes,  and  barring  accident 
you  will  not  be  troubled  with  bad  feet. 

Disease  of  the  Superior  Part  of  the  Coffin  Bone. 
— This  form  of  disease  may  happen  to  either  the 
fore  or  hind  feet,  the  result  of  blows  and  treads  by 
the  other  foot,  especially  if  it  is  shod  with  shoes 
with  long,  sharp  calkins,  or  from  over-extension 
of  the  front  tendon  at  its  attachment  to  the  bone. 

Symptoms:  There  will  be  lameness,  and  by  and 
by  a  swelling  appears  at  the  top  of  the  hoof  in 
front.  It  is  very  tender  and  hot  to  the  touch,  will 
vary  in  size  from  that  of  a  bean  to  a  pigeon's  egg. 
The  animal  puts  its  heel  to  the  ground  first  in 
order  to  save  the  front.  Matter  usually  forms,  and 
the  part  sloughs,  leaving  an  angry  sore,  which  is 
very  difficult  to  heal.  In  some  cases  after  the  lame- 
ness the  first  thing  noticed  will  be  a  discharge  of 
a  thin,  watery  matter  from  the  top  of  the  hoof. 

Treatment:  If  the  animal  has  a  high-heeled 
shoe  have  it  removed,  as  the  heel  should  be  kept 
as  low  as  possible.  Foment  the  foot  with  hot 
water  and  put  on  a  linseed  meal  poultice  for  a  few 
days,  and  if  matter  still  keeps  discharging  and  the 
part  bulging  upward  and  extending  over  the  hoof, 
cut  away  a  little  of  the  hoof  with  a  sharp  knife.  If 
the  hoof  presses  on  the  tender  part  it  will  increase 
the  pain.  Then  roll  up  two  grains  of  the  bichlor- 
ide of  mercury  in  a  small  piece  of  tissue  paper  and 
press  into^the  wound.  This  will  cause  a  slough, 
in  three  days  destroying  the  unhealthy  tissue. 
This  will  relieve  the  animal  and  leave  the  part  in 


244  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

a  condition  to  heal.  Then  use  chloride  of  zinc  one 
dram,  water  half  a  pint.  Inject  a  little  of  this 
twice  a  day.  After  it  heals  if  any  lameness  should 
remain  use  cantharides  two  drams,  lard  one 
ounce.  Rub  a  little  of  this  around  the  coronet,  let 
it  remain  on  for  twenty-four  hours,  then  wash  off 
and  apply  a  little  lard.  Repeat  in  two  weeks  if 
needed. 

Ossification  of  the  Lateral  Cartilage  (Side 
Bones). — This  disease  is  most  often  found  in  the 
heavy  draft  horses,  caused  by  slipping  on  the  stony 
pavement  and  the  great  weight  of  their  bodies.  It 
is  also  caused  by  treads  and  bruises.  A  very  com- 
mon cause  is  the  tongue  of  the  wagon  being  al- 
lowed to  fall  down  when  the  horses  are  unhitched, 
and  in  some  cases  this  will  fall  on  the  side  of  the 
foot,  injuring  the  cartilage.  When  unhitching 
horses  from  wagons  the  tongue  should  be  let  down 
with  the  hand,  and  thus  save  the  animal  the  pain 
of  the  tongue  striking  the  foot.  The  progress  of 
this  disease  is  often  very  slow,  and  there  may  be 
considerable  swelling  of  the  part,  and  yet  there 
may  be  no  lameness.  In  this  case  it  is  only  the 
upper  part  of  the  cartilage  that  is  affected.  As 
the  disease  extends  downward  underneath  the 
hoof  it  then  causes  pressure  on  the  soft  parts,  caus- 
ing pain  and  lameness. 

Symptoms:  Usually  the  first  thing  noticed  is  a 
slight  hard  swelling  either  on  the  inside  or  out,  or 
both,  just  above  the  hoof,  near  the  heel.  If  it  is 
causing  pain  and  lameness  the  horse  will  bring  the 
toe  to  the  ground  first,  and  while  standing  will 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  245 

likely  point  the  foot,  resting  on  the  toe,  thus  easing 
the  heel.  If  the  hoof  is  struck  lightl  v  over  the  re- 
gion of  the  cartilage  the  animal  evinces  pain.  In 
bad  cases  the  hoof  will  bulge  a  little  in  this  part 
from  the  growth  of  the  cartilage  underneath  it. 
This  is  a  very  difficult  lameness  to  cure. 

Treatment :  If  there  is  much  inflammation  ap- 
ply cold  water  bandages  for  a  week  or  two ;  then 
apply  a  cantharides  blister,  two  drams  to  the 
ounce  of  lard;  rub  it  in  well,  and  let  it  remain  on 
for  twenty-four  hours;  then  wash  off.  Repeat 
every  second  week.  If  this  does  not  remove  the 
lameness  in  two  or  three  months  then  fire  it,  burn- 
ing three  or  four  marks  on  it  up  and  down,  taking 
case  not  to  burn  the  coronary  band.  Give  the 
horse  several  months'  rest. 

Contraction  of  the  Foot. — This  is  not  a  disease, 
but  the  result  of  disease.  Whatever  interferes 
with  the  health  of  the  foot  usually  causes  a  wast- 
ing of  the  soft  structures,  and  as  a  result  the  hoof 
follows.  It  is  therefore  impossible  to  get  the  hoof 
to  contract  if  the  substance  underneath  it  is 
healthy.  It  is  a  law  of  nature  that  the  hard  pari 
gives  way  to  the  soft.  There  is  no  more  danger  of 
the  hoof  of  a  healthy  foot  contracting  than  there  is 
of  the  bark  of  a  healthy  tree  contracting  on  its 
substance.  Neither  will  the  dry  weather  nor  the 
heat  of  the  sun  have  any  effect  on  the  hoof  of  a 
healthy  foot,  so  therefore  follow  nature's  steps  and 
you  will  not  be  troubled  by  contraction. 

Treatment  for  contraction :  Remove  all  causes, 
if  that  be  possible;  if  not  there  is  no  cure  for  it. 


246  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

A  horse  with  a  contracted  foot  may  be  helped  by 
putting  on  a  bar  shoe,  poulticing  the  foot  for  two 
weeks  with  linseed  meal,  and  applying  a  blister  of 
cantharides  to  the  coronet  and  giving  several 
months'  rest.  To  prevent  contraction  see  that  your 
horse  is  shod  as  directed,  and  do  not  keep  it  stand- 
ing long  on  a  hard  floor  whether  it  has  shoes  on  or 
not.  Horses  were  never  intended  to  be  kept  on 
hard  floors.  The  best  kind  of  floor  is  made  in  this 
way:  Dig  out  a  foot  of  the  earth  and  fill  it  up 
with  broken  stones  or  brick,  then  put  on  six  inches 
of  clay  and  six  inches  of  sand.  This  makes  a 
good,  cool,  soft  place  for  your  horses  to  stand  on 
when  not  at  work,  and  by  spreading  some  bedding 
on  this  it  is  very  comfortable  for  the  horses  to  lie 
down  on.  The  stone  or  brick  foundation  keeps  the 
place  dry,  and  the  earth  on  top  is  cool,  dry,  and 
soft. 

Navicular  Disease. — This  is  a  disease  of  the 
navicular  bone  and  the  structures  surrounding  it. 
It  is  called  "coffin  joint  lameness."  This  bone  is 
situated  at  the  back  and  inferior  part  of  the  coffin 
joint,  and  acts  as  a  pulley  over  which  the  flexor 
tendon  of  the  foot  passes. 

Causes  of  this  disease:  Horses  with  upright 
pasterns  are  most  liable  to  it,  as  more  weight  is 
thrown  on  this  joint;  horses  shod  with  calkins  on 
their  shoes,  preventing  the  frog  from  coming  into 
contact  with  the  ground,  therefore  causing  a  shock 
to  this  joint.  Some  horses  have  hereditary  tend- 
ency to  this  disease.  Nails  penetrating  too  deep 
through  the  sole,  or  anything  that  will  cause  in 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  247 

flammation  of  this  joint,  is  likely  to  produce  navic- 
ular disease.    The  most  prolific  cause  is  bad  shoe- 
ing.    By  degrees  the  inflammation  in  a  chronic 
form  extends  to  other  parts,  causing  a  shrinking  of 
the  soft  parts,  resulting  in  contraction  of  the  foot. 
Symptoms :    The  lameness  may  appear  suddenly 
and  perhaps  immediately  after  the  horse  has  been 
shod,  and  is  then  usually  thought  to  be  the  fault  of 
nailing  on  the  shoe.     It  is  likely  in  this  case  that 
the  smith  has  pared  the  sole  and  frog  too  thin,  and 
that  the  part  has  suffered  from  a  bruise  by  the 
horse  stepping  on  something  hard.     After  a  rest  it 
may  disappear,  to  return  after  the  next  drive. 
Sometimes   the   disease  is   of  very  slow  prog- 
ress in  one  or  both  fore  feet.     The   first    thing 
that  is  noticed  is  the  animal  points  its  toe,  and  if 
both  are  affected,  first  one,  then  the  other.    The  an- 
imal may  not  be  lame,  but  it  does  not  step  out  as 
well  as  it  used  to,  and  by  degrees  it  gets  more 
tender  until  it  begins  to  go  lame,  and  gradually 
gets  worse.   There  is  a  form  of  this  lameness  where 
the  animal  shows  stiffness  and  lameness  when  first 
taken  out  of  the  stable,  but  after  being  driven  for 
a  short  distance  it  passes  off,  and  after  it  stands  for 
a  while  it  will  start  off  lame  again.    If  this  disease 
lasts  for  some  time  the  muscles  of  the  chest  and 
shoulders  seem  stiff  and  may  shrink.     This  has 
been  called  "chest  founder"  by  horsemen.    This  is 
brought  about  from  the  soreness  of  the  feet.    The 
horse  is  afraid  to  step  out,  giving  it  the  appearance 
of  being  stiff;  the  muscles  of  the  chest  and  shoul- 
ders will  shrink  from  want  of  proper  action,  caused 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

by  the  feet  being  sore.  If  there  is  heat  and  tender- 
ness in  the  hollow  of  the  heel  or  a  redness  of  the 
sole,  and  the  absence  of  any  other  disease  of  the 
foot  or  leg,  we  may  consider  with  almost  a  certain- 
ty that  it  is  a  case  of  navicular  or  coffin  joint  lame- 
ness.   The  result  is  contraction  of  the  foot. 

Treatment:  Take  off  the  shoes,  so  that  the  frog 
will  rest  on  the  ground,  then  poultice  the  feet  with 
bran,  made  up  with  cold  water  if  it  is  a  recent  case, 
but  if  it  is  of  some  months'  standing  hot  water  is 
the  best;  the  poultices  to  be  put  into  bags  made  a 
little  larger  than  the  foot;  about  two  inches  deep 
of  the  bran  mash  should  be  put  into  the  bag,  then 
put  the  foot  in  and  fill  in  all  around  as  high  as  the 
fetlock,  and  tie  it  above  the  fetlock  and  around  the 
ankle  to  keep  the  bag  well  on  the  foot.  Wet  this 
several  times  a  dav  and  change  it  once  daily.  Con- 
tinue  this  for  two  weeks,  and  see  that  it  is  properly 
done;  if  not  it  will  be  of  no  service.  Then  blister 
the  coronet  with  cantharides  two  drams,  lard  one 
ounce.  Repeat  in  three  weeks,  and  give  the  animal 
a  long  rest.  I  have  never  seen  any  good  result 
from  the  use  of  frog  setons,  and  it  is  a  cruel  opera- 
tion. The  operation  of  neurotomy  (cutting  the 
nerve)  has  been  tried  and  is  sometimes  useful 
when  the  foot  is  in  a  good  condition  for  such  an 
operation,  but  if  the  animal  has  a  weak  foot  or  if 
the  disease  is  far  advanced  it  is  worse  than  useless, 
as  the  animal  will  soon  pound  it  to  pieces. 

Laminitis  (Founder). — Inflammation  of  the  foot, 
called  laminitis,  or  founder,  is  a  very  common  dis- 
ease among  all  classes  of  horses.    The  structures 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  2-lfl 

affected  are  the  sensitive  laminae  and  the  sensi- 
tive sole,  and  in  very  severe  cases  the  coffin  bones. 
Causes :  Some  horses  have  a  hereditary  tendency 
to  this  disease  by  inheriting  badly  formed  feet,  bad 
management  of  the  feet,  over  exertion,  drinking 
cold  water  when  the  animal  is  heated;  horses 
standing  for  a  long  time  in  railroad  cars,  where 
they  are  obliged  to  brace  themselves  to  keep 
from  falling,  thus  throwing  great  weight  on  their 
feet;  horses  driven  on  hard  roads  when  the  soles 
of  their  feet  have  been  pared  thin,  or  from  the 
shoe  bearing  too  much  on  the  walls  of  the  foot; 
standing  in  cold  water  after  being  warm,  standing 
too  long  on  a  hard  floor  without  exercise,  too  much 
of  any  kind  of  food,  small  quantities  of  wheat  or 
rye;  sometimes  one  quart  of  wheat  will  founder  a 
horse.  It  is  also  caused  from  diseases  of  the  stom- 
ach, bowels,  lungs,  and  from  influenza.  If  this  dis- 
ease is  not  properly  treated  there  are  several  condi- 
tions which  may  take  place  as  a  result  of  this  dis- 
ease. The  changes  which  take  place  in  the  foot 
are:  First,  exudation,  the  result  of  the  inflamma- 
tion, usually  at  the  toe,  the  foot  being  more  sup- 
plied with  blood  vessels  at  this  part.  The  exuda- 
tion may  take  place  between  the  membrane  cover- 
ing the  bone  and  the  bone  itself,  causing  an  incur- 
able lameness,  and  sooner  or  later  the  complete 
destruction  of  the  foot.  In  other  cases  the  exuda- 
tion may  become  absorbed,  and  by  degrees  the  foot 
becomes  healthy.  Second:  Shrinking  of  the  sensi- 
tive substance  takes  place,  causing  contraction  of 
the  foot  and  permanent  lameness.    Sometimes  the 


250  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

toe  of  the  coffin  bone  presses  downward  on  the 
sensitive  sole,  interfering  with  the  secreting  pro- 
cess, rendering  the  horny  sole  weak,  dry,  cheesy  or 
spongy,  and  not  strong  enough  to  protect  the  sen- 
sitive parts  within.  The  outer  horn  of  the  wall 
becomes  ribbed  on  account  of  the  secreting  sur- 
face of  the  coronary  band  being  interfered  with. 
The  ribs  or  rings  of  founder  are  very  irregular,  and 
run  together  toward  the  front  of  the  foot.  Gener- 
ally the  disease  is  confined  to  the  fore  feet,  but  all 
may  be  affected,  or  only  one  hind  foot,  the  result  of 
long  standing  on  it  on  account  of  some  injury  to  the 
other  foot  or  leg.  When  a  horse  has  a  sore  foot  or 
a  very  lame  leg  the  shoe  should  be  removed  from 
the  well  foot  and  the  animal  encouraged  to  lie 
down  as  much  as  possible,  or  have  it  put  into  a 
sling  so  as  to  rest  the  well  foot  in  case  it  should 
become  affected  by  laminitis.  I  have  seen  many 
bad  cases  from  this  cause. 

Symptoms:  The  pain  a  horse  suffers  from  an 
acute  attack  of  laminitis  is  agonizing  and  persist- 
ent, as  the  sensitive  part  of  the  foot  lies  between 
the  bony  structures  on  the  inside  and  the  unyield- 
ing hoof;  and  as  it  swells  by  its  blood  vessels  being- 
gorged  with  blood,  it  has  no  room  to  expand,  and 
this  pressure  of  the  nerves  causes  intense  pain. 
The  animal  stands  in  its  stall  breathing  fast  and 
heavy,  and  the  nostrils  are  dilated.  If  the  fore  feet 
are  the  ones  affected  they  will  be  stretched  out  in 
front,  resting  on  the  heels,  and  the  hind  feet 
brought  well  forward  under  the  body,  and  the  back 
will  be  arched.    It  stands  in  this  way  in  order  to 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  251 

take  as  much  weight  off  the  feet  as  possible.  If  an 
attempt  is  made  to  move  him  he  may  sway  his 
body  backward  and  forward,  but  will  not  move  his 
fore  feet.  If  he  is  compelled  to  do  so  he  will  drag 
them  on  the  heels.  I  have  seen  cases  where  it  was 
impossible  to  move  them  back  in  their  stalls.  If 
much  pressure  was  brought  to  bear  the  animal 
would  fall  rather  than  move  its  feet.  In  first  look- 
ing at  a  horse  suffering  from  acute  founder  it  might 
be  mistaken  for  congestion  of  the  lungs  by  the 
heavy,  fast  breathing  and  the  dilated  nostrils,  but 
no  mistake  need  be  made,  as  in  founder  it  is  not 
willing  to  move,  while  in  congestion  of  the  lungs 
it  will  move  readily.  The  pulse  in  founder  will  be 
full  and  bounding,  while  in  congestion  it  will  be 
very  weak  and  fast,  and  in  some  cases  impercepti- 
ble. It  has  also  been  mistaken  for  injury  to  the 
back  on  account  of  it  being  arched,  but  in  this  case 
the  fore  feet  would  be  placed  well  under  the  belly. 
The  pulse  is  usually  from  sixty  to  eighty,  promi- 
nent, full  and  bounding;  the  appetite  is  impaired, 
and  in  very  severe  cases  the  animal  will  not  eat; 
on  examining  the  feet  they  will  be  found  hot 
to  the  touch.  In  some  cases  the  animal  will  lie 
down  upon  its  side  with  its  legs  outstretched  for 
hours.  In  other  cases,  especially  in  the  early 
stages  of  the  disease,  it  will  stand  persistently. 
When  the  hind  feet  only  are  affected  the  horse  will 
stand  with  all  his  four  feet  together,  the  fore  ones 
pushed  well  under  its  body,  the  hind  feet  ex- 
tended forward,  in  order  to  throw  its  weight  on  the 
heels.    We  might  think  that  the  hind  feet  are  af- 


252  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

fected,  that  they  would  be  stretched  out  behind, 
but  in  this  way  the  animal  would  have  to  bear 
its  weight  on  the  toes,  which  would  augment  its 
suffering.  When  compelled  to  move,  as  soon  as 
its  toes  come  in  contact  with  the  ground,  it  takes  a 
sort  of  jump  forward,  probably  taking  three  or 
four  jumps  before  it  stops.  The  animal  does  not 
stand  much  when  the  hind  feet  are  affected,  and 
seems  to  get  relief  as  soon  as  it  is  in  a  recumbent 
position.  The  relief  is  so  great  when  the  animal 
gets  off  its  feet  that  the  pulse  will  often  fall  ten  to 
twenty  beats  per  minute  in  the  course  of  a  quarter 
of  an  hour.  When  all  four  feet  are  affected  there 
will  be  a  combination  of  the  foregoing.  All  the 
feet  will  be  found  hot,  and  tender  if  struck  gently 
with  the  hammer. 

Treatment:  Remove  the  shoes  and  clean  all 
mud  and  dirt  from  the  feet.  Then  get  two  bags 
made  a  little  larger  than  the  foot  and  long  enough 
to  reach  above  the  fetlock.  Make  up  a  pail  of  bran 
with  hot  water,  put  about  two  inches  of  the  mash 
in  the  bottom  of  the  bag  and  put  it  on  the  foot,  then 
fill  in  with  bran  as  high  as  the  fetlock  joint  and  tie 
it  above  the  joint,  also  around  below  it  to  keep  the 
poultice  well  in  place.  Wet  this  several  times  dur- 
ing the  day  and  change  it  once  daily,  as  if  kept  too 
long  on  it  will  sour.  The  poultice  should  be  kept 
on  the  feet  until  all  soreness  has  passed  off.  Give 
from  the  beginning  one  ounce  nitrate  of  potassium 
in  the  drinking  water  or  small  bran  mash  three 
times  a  day.  Also  give  in  bad  cases  twenty  to 
thirty  drops  tincture  of  aconite  in  a  little  water 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  253 

every  two  hours  until  the  pulse  is  reduced  in 
strength  and  frequency.  Encourage  the  animal 
to  lie  down,  as  the  recumbent  position  relieves  it 
very  much.  If  the  animal  will  not  lie  down  of  its 
own  accord,  take  a  rope  and  put  it  under  its  belh 
and  let  a  man  stand  on  each  side  and  press  the  rope 
tight  against  its  belly,  and  by  degrees  the  animal 
will  try  to  rest  on  it,  and  when  it  does  so  let  the 
rope  go  and  the  animal  will  drop  down.  When 
once  down  it  will  likely  remain  so  for  several 
hours,  as  it  feels  the  relief  thus  obtained,  and  after 
this  it  will  lie  down  when  it  feels  like  it.  It  is  rec- 
ommended by  some  after  the  shoes  are  removed 
and  the  foot  pared,  to  stand  the  horse  in  a  tub  of 
hot  water,  his  head  being  tied  so  that  he  cannot 
get  out  of  the  tub.  I  consider  this  a  very  useless 
method  and  a  very  cruel  one.  To  illustrate:  Mr. 
B.  had  a  fast  trotting  horse,  which  got  an  attack 
of  laminitis  from  drinking  cold  water  when  heat- 
ed. It  was  found  in  the  morning  in  a  very  bad  con- 
dition. A  veterinary  surgeon  was  called  in  (who 
had  been  taught  the  tub  treatment).  He  had  the 
horse's  shoes  removed,  the  feet  pared  out,  and  put 
into  the  tub  of  hot  water  and  tied,  and  a  groom  to 
watch  him.  By  evening  the  horse  was  so  much 
worse  that  the  owner  thought  he  would  die.  I  was 
called,  took  the  horse  out  of  the  tub,  put  the  slings 
under  him,  and  as  soon  as  he  leaned  his  weight  on 
the  sling  I  let  him  down.  When  the  poor  animal 
was  down  it  seemed  very  much  relieved.  I  then  put 
warm  poultices  as  above  directed  and  gave  the 
animal  a  few  doses  of  aconite  to  assist  in  the  re- 


254  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

duction  of  fever.  In  two  hours  the  pulse  was 
reduced  from  one  hundred  to  sixty.  The  animal 
remained  down  all  night.  In  the  morning  it  got 
up  and  ate,  and  under  the  above  treatment  made 
a  good  recovery.  The  tub  treatment  is  to  be  con- 
demned as  cruel,  and  the  softening  of  the  hoof 
which  it  is  used  for  can  be  accomplished  much 
better  and  quicker  by  the  warm  poultices  and  al- 
lowing the  horse  to  lie  down.  At  the  end  of  two 
weeks,  if  the  animal  has  been  properly  attended 
to,  it  will  be  as  sound  as  if  the  thing  had  never 
happened.  If  there  should  be  the  least  sign  of 
tenderness  of  the  feet  blister  the  coronets  with 
cantharides  two  drams,  lard  one  ounce.  After  it 
has  been  on  for  twenty-four  hours  wash  it  off 
and  turn  the  horse  out  to  grass  for  a  few  weeks, 
or  put  it  into  a  loose  box  and  keep  the  floor  soft 
with  plenty  of  straw,  or  what  is  better,  sawdust  or 
short  shavings. 

Chronic  Laminitis  (Founder). — When  a  case  of 
acute  laminitis  is  not  properly  treated  it  becomes 
chronic.  There  is  also  chronic  founder  which 
really  never  has  been  acute.  For  instance,  a-horse 
has  been  badly  shod  for  some  time,  and  the  pres- 
sure or  weight  of  the  body  confined  to  the  walls 
on  account  of  the  sole  being  cut  away,  there  will 
be  a  little  irritation  set  up  in  the  sensitive  laminae 
and  coronary  band,  causing  a  little  derangement, 
but  not  enough  to  produce  lameness,  but  by  de- 
grees these  parts  become  affected  to  such  an  ex- 
tent as  to  cause  a  stiffness  in  moving,  or  eveu 
lameness. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  255 

Symptoms  of  chronic  founder:  The  horse 
stands  with  its  fore  feet  a  little  advanced  and  the 
hind  legs  brought  a  little  forward  under  the  belly. 
The  position  in  standing  will  depend  on  the  case. 
If  the  animal  is  suffering  much  pain  the  feet  will 
be  brought  further  forward.  When  the  animal  is 
brought  out  of  the  stable  it  will  be  stiff  and  step 
short  and  dig  its  toes  into  the  ground,  and  in  bad 
cases  may  go  for  some  distance  stumbling  and  its 
back  a  little  arched.  After  moving  awhile  it 
seems  to  get  better,  steps  out,  and  does  not  stum- 
ble, and  the  back  is  not  arched;  but  the  horse  so 
affected  always  steps  short,  and  horsemen 
thought  it  was  tied  up  in  the  muscles  of  the 
shoulder  and  chest  (chest  founder),  but  such  is  not 
the  case.  The  feet  are  the  location  of  the  trouble. 
The  muscles  of  the  chest  seem  to  be  wasted  and 
in  some  cases  they  are,  but  the  position  in  which  a 
horse  affected  with  chronic  founder  stands  gives 
it  that  appearance.  By  degrees  the  feet  shrink 
from  wasting  of  the  sensitive  substances  from  the 
chronic  form  of  inflammation  of  the  feet.  This 
form  of  founder  cannot  be  cured,  but  can  be 
helped  by  poulticing  and  blistering  the  coronets 
and  continuing  it  for  several  months.  Horses  af- 
fected by  chronic  founder  should  be  kept  on  the 
farm  and  off  the  hard  roads. 

Coronitis  (Inflammation  of  the  Coronary  Sub- 
stance).— This  derangement  usually  affects  draft 
horses  used  for  pulling  heavy  loads  and  being  shod 
with  calkins  on  the  shoes.  It  is  also  seen  in  horses 
of  any  breed  and  is  caused  by  too  much  weight 


256  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

being  placed  on  the  wall  of  the  hoof,  pressing  up- 
ward on  the  coronary  band,  irritating  it,  and  in 
some  cases  causing  inflammation  and  lameness. 
I  have  seen  a  horse  sent  to  be  shod,  and  by  the 
smith  cutting  or  paring  away  the  sole  so  that  it 
was  too  thin  to  support  the  wall,  the  next  day, 
after  a  drive,  the  horse  would  go  lame. 

Symptoms:  Hardness  and  brittleness  of  the 
hoof,  loss  of  toughness  and  pliability,  heat  around 
the  coronet  and  upper  part  of  the  hoof,  fullness 
and  tenderness  of  the  coronary  band;  if  pressed 
upon  the  animal  will  evince  pain.  If  both  fore  feet 
are  affected  the  horse  will  have  a  shuffling  gait, 
and  the  heels  are  put  on  the  ground  first.  If  only 
one  foot  is  affected  the  animal  will  be  lame.  In 
some  cases  there  will  be  a  separation  between  the 
band  and  the  hoof.  The  duration  of  this  form  of 
lameness  depends  on  the  severity  of  the  case.  It 
can  be  distinguished  from  laminitis  by  a  bulging 
of  the  coronary  band  and  the  heat  and  tenderness 
of  the  part. 

Treatment:  Remove  the  shoe  and  poultice  the 
foot  for  a  few  days,  then  put  on  a  bar  shoe,  so 
that  the  weight  will  rest  on  the  frog.  Keep  on  a 
shoe  of  this  kind  until  the  sole  becomes  thick  and 
strong,  then  put  on  a  flat  shoe,  and  keep  the 
blacksmith's  knife  away  from  the  sole.  If  lame- 
ness should  persist  after  being  poulticed  for  a 
week  and  a  bar  shoe  put  on,  blister  the  coronet 
with  cantharides  two  drams,  lard  one  ounce.  Re- 
peat in  two  weeks  if  necessary.  This  is  a  very 
common  form  of  lameness,  and  in  the  majority  of 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  257 

cases  can  be  prevented  by  the  proper  method  of 
shoeing  mentioned  in  the  first  chapter  on  diseases 
of  the  foot. 

Carbuncle  of  the  Coronary  Band. — This  consists 
of  an  oval,  irregular  swelling  on  some  portion  of 
the  coronary  band.  It  is  hard  at  first  and  some- 
times very  painful,  causing  lameness.  After  a 
time  suppuration  takes  place  at  several  points, 
which  discharges  unhealthy  matter.  In  some 
cases  it  will  spread  all  around  the  coronary,  and 
there  will  be  a  number  of  small  openings,  from 
which  thin  matter  will  exude,  forming  a  very  un- 
healthy looking  sore.  Prof.  Williams,  of  Edin- 
burgh, says:  "I  am  inclined  to  think  it  is  due  to  a 
blood  poison  similar  to  that  of  glanders  and  farcy, 
as  it  is  oftenest  seen  in  unhealthy  situations,  ill- 
ventilated  stables,  and  in  horses  with  bad  or  gross 
constitutions.  I  was  inclined,  when  I  first  saw  it, 
to  attribute  it  to  some  injury  to  the  part,  and  to 
believe  that  the  unhealthy  action  was  the  conse- 
quence of  such  an  injury,  or  to  the  introduction  of 
some  deleterious  material  into  the  wound;  but 
further  experience  has  convinced  me  that  it  often 
originates  from  constitutional  causes,  and  that  it 
is  an  inflammation  of  the  coronary  substance, 
due  to  the  presence  of  some  morbid  material  in 
the  blood."  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  the  opin- 
ion of  Prof.  Williams  is  correct,  as  it  is  a  very  dif- 
ficult derangement  to  cure. 

Treatment:  Poultice  for  a  few  days  at  first  to 
assist  it  to  form  matter,  then  apply  a  lotion  of 
acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce,  sulphate  of  zinc  half 


258  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

an  ounce,  carbolic  acid  half  an  ounce,  water  one 
quart;  bathe  the  sores  with  a  little  of  this  several 
times  a  day  to  reduce  the  swelling  and  if  possible 
to  dry  up  the  part.  If  there  is  a  discharge  from 
little  openings,  probe  them  to  find  the  direction 
and  depth,  then  roll  up  one  grain  of  bichloride  of 
mercury  in  a  piece  of  tissue  paper  and  press  it  into 
the  opening.  If  there  are  a  number  of  these  treat 
them  alike.  In  a  few  days  there  will  be  a  slough 
of  the  unhealthy  part  and  it  may  then  heal.  If  it 
does  not  use  the  mercury  again,  and  so  on  until  it 
becomes  healthy;  then  use  the  above  lotion. 
When  it  heals,  if  it  should  leave  the  band  thick, 
blister  it  with  cantharides  blister  as  in  founder. 
Give  the  animal  a  dose  of  aloes,  to  be  followed  by 
giving  sulphate  of  iron  four  ounces,  nitrate  of  po- 
tassium four  ounces,  nux  vomica  two  ounces;  mix 
and  divide  into  twenty-four  doses,  to  be  given 
twice  daily  in  bran  mash. 

False  Quarter. — This  is  due  to  a  deranged  con- 
dition of  the  coronary  band.  The  horny  wall  be- 
ing secreted  by  the  coronary  band,  it  follows  that 
if  a  part  of  it  is  destroyed,  that  the  part  of  the  wall 
below  it  can  be  no  longer  supplied  with  horn.  The 
sensitive  laminae  supplies  in  a  modified  condition 
a  substance  to  take  the  place  of  the  horn,  but  it 
is  usually  thin  and  weak,  and  has  fissures  or 
cracks  in  it.  These  cracks  are  usually  wider  at 
the  bottom  than  at  the  top.  This  derangement  does 
not  always  cause  lameness,  but  is  very  liable  to 
do  so,  and  therefore  the  horse  may  be  considered 
unsound. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  259 

Causes:  Injuries  to  the  coronary  band,  destroy- 
ing its  secreting  substance. 

Treatment:  If  the  animal  is  lame  poultice  the 
foot  to  reduce  the  inflammation;  then  put  on  a 
bar  shoe,  so  that  it  will  rest  on  the  frog  and  wall, 
except  the  affected  part;  this  will  take  off  the 
pressure,  and  the  animal  will  not  go  lame.  Re- 
move all  the  ragged  edges,  and  cut  a  little  of  the 
band,  then  heal  this  as  an  ordinary  wound,  and 
there  is  a  possibility  of  the  band  growing  up  and 
being  capable  of  growing  out  a  healthy  hoof.  I 
have  succeeded  in  some  cases.  Keep  using  the  bar 
shoe  until  the  hoof  grows  down,  and  if  it  does  not 
do  so  it  will  still  be  necessary  to  keep  on  the  bar 
shoe  to  protect  the  weak  part. 

Sand  Crack. — A  sand  crack  may  be  found  in 
any  part  of  the  wall  of  the  foot.  It  differs  from 
false  quarter  in  being  caused  by  a  dry,  brittle  con- 
dition of  the  hoof.  The  parts  where  it  is  usually 
found  are  in  front  and  on  the  inside  quarters,  sel- 
dom on  the  outside. 

Causes:  When  the  hoof  from  some  cause  be- 
comes brittle,  dry  and  hard  it  loses  what  elasticity 
it  had  and  is  liable  to  crack  from  over-exertion, 
so  that  a  sand-crack  may  appear  suddenly.  This 
is  the  case  when  the  sole  of  the  foot  i&  weakened 
by  paring;  the  weight-bearing  surface  is  limited 
to  the  wall,  the  weight  thus  thrown  on  the  wall 
overstrains  it,  and  it  may  split  at  once,  or  it  in- 
duces a  deranged  condition  of  the  structures  to 
which  it  is  attached,  causing  the  dryness  favorable 
for  it  cracking.    Sand-crack  begins  at  the  top  of 


260  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

the  hoof,  where  it  is  thin,  and  extends  downward. 
It  will  gap  a  little  when  the  foot  comes  in  contact 
with  the  ground,  and  close  again  when  the  foot 
is  elevated;  on  this  account  sometimes  the  sensi- 
tive tissue  gets  into  the  crack  and  gets  squeezed, 
causing  blood  to  issue  from  the  crack.  In  this 
case  the  animal  suffers  great  pain,  and  often  in- 
flammation sets  in,  and  matter  may  form  as  a 
result. 

Treatment:  Poultice  the  foot  for  a  few  days  to 
remove  any  inflammation  that  may  be  present 
and  to  soften  the  hoof;  then  put  on  a  bar  shoe 
so  that  it  will  not  rest  on  the  wall  where  the  crack 
is,  and  take  a  sharp  drawing  knife  and  pare  out  a 
piece  of  the  hoof  at  the  top,  separating  it  com- 
pletely from  the  coronary  band,  about  three- 
fourths  of  an  inch  on  each  side  of  the  crack,  down 
to  the  quick.  This  part  can  be  filled  with  tar  to 
keep  out  the  dirt.  A  cantharides  blister  should  be 
rubbed  around  the  coronary  band  every  third 
week.  When  the  pressure  of  the  old  hoof  is  re- 
moved by  this  cutting  the  new  one  grows  out 
sound,  having  nothing  to  interfere  with  it;  but  if 
this  is  not  done  properly  as  soon  as  a  little  of  the 
new  hoof  grows  out  it  splits  as  at  first.  I  have 
made  some  good  cures  and  kept  the  horse  at  work 
by  the  use  of  the  bar  shoe,  and  an  occasional  poul- 
tice at  night  if  there  was  any  fever  in  the  foot. 
Clasps  and  nails  put  through  the  edges  of  the 
crack  are  of  no  practical  value  and  should  not  be 
used.  Sand-crack  can  nearly  always  be  prevented 
by  proper  shoeing  and  keeping  the  feet  cool.     If 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  261 

they  should  become  fevered  after  a  long  journey 
on  a  hard  road  put  them  in  a  bran  poultice  for  a 
few  days,  and  if  a  horse  has  thin,  weak  feet,  use 
the  bar  shoe  during  the  summer,  and  do  not  touch 
the  sole  with  the  knife. 

Keraloma. — This  is  the  name  given  to  a  horny 
tumor  caused  by  the  toe-clip  of  the  shoe,  where  it 
has  been  hammered  too  tightly,  or  from  the  ani- 
mal striking  its  toe  against  the  ground.  This  dis- 
ease is  usually  found  in  the  hind  feet,  although  I 
have  seen  it  in  the  fore  feet.  I  have  seen  cases  of 
this  kind  in  which  the  horse  was  not  lame;  but 
unless  the  horse  is  properly  shod  and  the  part 
protected  lameness  will  be  the  result.  Poultice 
the  foot  to  soften  it,  then  cut  away  as  much  of  the 
hoof  surrounding  the  tumor  as  possible,  so  that 
there  will  be  a  groove  between  it  and  the  wall ;  re- 
move as  much  of  the  tumor  as  is  prudent,  then  fill 
up  the  groove  with  tar  and  put  on  a  broad  shoe, 
with  a  piece  turned  up  over  the  part  to  protect 
it.  It  has  been  recommended  to  remove  the  whole 
of  the  crust  immediately  over  the  diseased  part  by 
cutting  through  it  on  either  side  from  top  to  bot- 
tom, detaching  it  from  the  sole  and  tearing  it  away, 
leaving  the  sensitive  parts  exposed.  The  operation 
is  a  very  cruel  one  and  should  never  be  performed 
unless  the  disease  has  resisted  all  other  treatment; 
even  then  it  does  not  always  succeed,  as  there  is 
every  likelihood  of  matter  forming  and  destroying 
the  sensitive  laminae,  preventing  the  development 
of  a  new  horn.    In  some  cases  it  succeeds,  but  it 


262  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

takes  months  of  treatment.  I  do  not  consider  such 
treatment  advisable. 

Seedy-Toe. — This  consists  of  a  separation  of  the 
wall  at  the  toe  from  the  sensitive  laminae,  caus- 
ing a  hollow  space,  which  emits  a  hollow  sound 
when  tapped  with  the  hammer.  It  is  the  result  of 
toe-clips.  Especially  is  this  the  case  when  the 
shoe  is  put  on  hot  and  burned  in,  which  should 
never  be  done.  It  is  caused  by  laminitis  and  nails 
penetrating  the  hoof  at  the  toe.  This  disease  may 
be  found  sometimes  at  the  side  of  the  foot  from  the 
use  of  side-clips. 

Symptoms :  The  hoof  at  the  toe  or  side  becomes 
very  dry,  and  if  pared  has  a  cheesy  or  rather  a 
mealy  appearance,  and  a  little  exploration  will 
show  a  separation  of  the  sole  from  the  wall.  There 
will  be  a  hollow  space  between  the  hoof  and  the 
sensitive  laminae,  which  in  some  cases  may  ex- 
tend to  the  coronet,  and  in  some  cases  of  long 
standing  the  hoof  will  bulge.  It  is  not  often  that 
this  causes  lameness;  but  sand  and  other  dirt  are 
very  apt  to  get  in  at  the  separated  part  and  cause 
irritation,  with  fever  in  the  foot,  and  lameness. 

Treatment:  This  is  a  very  troublesome  case  to 
treat.  It  seems  to  be  almost  impossible  to  get  a 
union  of  the  wall  and  sole.  It  has  been  recom- 
mended to  remove  all  the  loose  hoof  as  far  back  as 
the  quick,  and  treat  it  by  applying  tar  and  band- 
ages and  encourage  the  growth  of  horn.  I  have 
seen  this  tried,  but  it  did  not  prove  successful.  The 
best  treatment  is  to  shoe  the  horse  with  a  broad 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  263 

toe-clip  and  fill  well  in  between  the  clip  and  the 
separation  with  tar  and  oakum.  This  will  prevent 
the  dirt  from  getting  into  it.  Keep  the  foot  soft  by 
putting  on  a  poultice  occasionally  and  by  apply- 
ing a  cantharides  blister  to  the  coronet.  In  this 
way  we  will  increase  the  growth  of  horn  and  in 
some  cases  effect  a  cure. 

Corns. — Corns  are  the  result  of  bruises  at  the 
angle  of  the  heel  between  the  bar  and  the  wall, 
and  usually  on  the  inside  heel  of  the  foot,  and  al- 
ways on  the  fore  feet,  as  they  are  the  weight-bear- 
ers of  the  body.  The  structure  affected  is  the  sen- 
sitive sole.  The  bruises  cause  a  rupture  of  the 
small  blood  vessels,  the  blood  extrava sating  into 
horny  sole,  causing  a  red  spot. 

Causes:  Bad  shoeing.  Prof.  Williams,  of  Edin- 
burgh, says:  "The  ordinary  seated  shoe  is  the 
most  irrational  invention  that  ever  emanated  from 
man's  brain.  It  is  a  thing  that  bears  upon  no  part 
of  the  sole  except  upon  the  spot  that  is  incapable 
of  bearing  such  pressure.  It  is  dished  out,  made 
concave  all  around  the  foot  except  at  the  heels, 
and  the  result  is  corns."  This  saying  is  correct. 
Corns  can  be  produced  only  by  pressure  on  the 
part,  and  the  above  described  shoe  is  calculated 
to  do  it  A  shoeing  smith  should  be  ashamed  to 
shoe  a  horse  in  this  manner  in  this  enlightened 
age;  still  that  is  what  they  are  doing  every  day. 
It  is  said  by  some  of  those  men  that  they  have 
found  corns  on  horses  that  never  were  shod.  Such 
a  case  may  happen  in  the  unshod  horse  by  the 
inner  corner  of  the  hoof  growing  long  and  inclined 


264  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

to  turn  inward  and  then  press  on  the  sensitive 
part,  causing  a  corn,  but  such  cases  are  very  sel- 
dom seen,  and  are  no  excuse  for  bad  shoeing.  To 
prevent  corns  leave  the  sole  untouched,  rasp  the 
wall  level,  and  put  on  a  flat  shoe,  so  that  the  pres- 
sure will  be  even  all  around,  the  sole  bearing  part 
of  the  weight,  and  you  will  never  have  a  corn  on 
your  horse's  foot. 

Symptoms  of  corns :  The  horse  will  show  more 
or  less  lameness.  When  it  stands  it  will  put  its 
foot  out  before  it,  resting  on  the  toe.  If  both  feet 
are  affected  it  will  shift,  pointing  first  one,  then 
the  other.  In  examining  the  foot  to  find  the  cause 
of  lameness  there  will  be  heat  on  the  inside  of  the 
hoof  at  the  heel,  and  if  tapped  lightly  with  the 
hammer  the  animal  will  flinch.  Remove  the  shoe 
and  take  a  pair  of  pincers  and  press  with  them 
all  around  the  sole,  and  when  you  come  to  the  heel 
the  animal  will  evince  pain  on  slight  pressure. 
Take  a  knife  and  pare  a  little  off  the  sole  at  the 
angle  of  the  bar,  where  you  will  find  the  sole  red. 
In  some  cases  of  corns  there  will  be  first  inflamma- 
tion, terminating  in  the  formation  of  matter,  or 
a  shrinking  of  the  sensitive  laminae.  Often  the 
matter  finds  its  way  out  of  the  top  of  the  hoof. 
When  there  is  matter  forming  there  is  usually 
great  lameness.  The  result  of  long-continued 
corns  is  contraction  of  the  heel.  Corns  are  the 
most  common  cause  of  contraction. 

Treatment:  Remove  the  shoe  and  poultice  the 
feet  to  soften  the  hoof  and  relieve  the  inflamma- 
tion.   Then  rasp  the  wall  of  the  hoof  level  and  put 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  265 

on  a  level  bar  shoe.  When  the  shoe  is  fitted  rasp 
away  a  little  of  the  wall  at  the  seat  of  the  corn, 
so  that  the  shoe  will  not  press  on  it.  By  thus  re- 
moving the  inflammation  by  the  poultice,  and  the 
bar  shoe  taking  the  weight  off  the  sore  part,  the 
animal  will  go  sound.  The  corn  should  never  be 
pared,  and  no  strong  medicine,  such  as  spirits  of 
salt,  applied  to  it,  as  it  does  harm  and  is  unneces- 
sary. In  some  cases  by  removing  the  shoe,  which 
is  causing  the  corn,  and  putting  on  a  bar  shoe, 
removing  the  pressure  from  the  part,  the  horse 
will  go  sound  without  having  to  be  laid  off  work. 
If  matter  forms  it  will  be  necessary  to  make  a 
small  opening  to  allow  the  matter  to  escape,  then 
put  on  a  poultice  for  a  few  days,  then  put  on  a 
bar  shoe  as  above.  Put  a  little  tar  and  oakum  in 
the  opening  to  keep  out  the  dirt  until  a  new  piece 
of  sole  grows  up.  The  bar  shoe  should  be  used  un- 
til the  sole  of  the  foot  grows  strong.  Then  by  using 
the  flat  shoe  and  not  paring  the  sole  you  will  not  be 
troubled  with  any  more  corns  on  your  horse's  feet. 
Thousands  of  dollars  are  lost  yearly  from  corns 
alone  caused  by  bad  shoeing. 

Thrush. — This  is  a  disease  characterized  by  a 
foetid  discharge  from  the  frog,  caused  by  a  dis- 
eased condition  of  the  secretory  surface  of  the 
fatty  frog.  The  clefts  are  the  parts  usually  af- 
fected, and  if  the  disease  is  not  properly  treated 
it  will  soon  spread  over  the  whole  frog,  causing  a 
detachment  of  the  horny  part  from  the  sensitive. 

Causes:  Anything  that  interferes  with  the 
health  of  the  part,  notably  bad  shoeing,  by  pre- 


266  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTEE. 

venting  the  frog  from  coming  in  contact  with  the 
ground.  It  is  also  caused  by  the  animal  standing 
in  dirty  stables,  and  some  years  when  the  barn- 
yard is  in  a  wet,  muddy  condition  for  a  long  time 
the  feet  never  getting  a  chance  to  dry,  but  I  have 
found  more  cases  caused  by  the  former  than  the 
latter. 

Symptoms:  There  is  a  discharge  of  a  very  foul 
smelling  matter  of  a  dark  color  exuding  from  the 
clefts  of  the  frog.  In  cleaning  out  the  clefts  they 
will  be  found  deep  and  extending  into  the  sensi- 
tive parts,  sometimes  causing  lameness.  As  it 
spreads  the  horny  frog  becomes  detached  and 
there  will  be  matter  underneath  it.  In  cases 
where,  it  is  caused  from  navicular  disease  it  is  in- 
curable. 

Treatment:  Clean  out  the  parts  well,  and  if  the 
horse  is  lame  put  on  a  poultice  of  linseed  meal  for 
a  few  days,  then  dry  it  and  press  a  little  calomel 
into  all  the  cavities;  then  press  in  some  paper  or 
soft  rags  to  keep  in  the  calomel  and  keep  out  the 
dirt.  Clean  out  every  second  day  until  the  clefts 
are  dry  and  healthy.  Remove  the  cause  to  prevent 
a  return  of  the  disease. 

Canker. — When  a  structure  composed  of  low 
organized  tissue  becomes  injured,  such  as  the  frog, 
it  is  very  apt  to  produce  a  rapid  growth  of  un- 
healthy tissue,  spreading  over  the  whole  of  the 
frog,  even  sometimes  extending  to  the  sole,  but  is 
generally  confined  to  the  frog.  As  the  fatty  frog 
is  a  tissue  of  low  organization  it  is  the  usual  seat 
of  canker.    When  tendons  about  the  lower  part  of 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  267 

the  legs  and  bulbs  of  the  heels  are  injured  we  find 
a  growth  resembling  canker  developing. 

Causes:  It  is  said  by  some  to  be  caused  by  a 
vegetable  parasite,  but  I  do  not  think  such  is  the 
case;  the  vegetable  parasite  is  the  result,  not  the 
cause.  I  have  removed  the  horny  frog  and  bound 
on  the  exudation  from  a  canker,  but  could  not 
produce  it.  It  is  said  from  some  unknown  rea- 
son horses  with  lymphatic  temperaments,  thick 
skin,  flat  feet,  fleshy  frogs,  heavy  hair,  and  particu- 
larly white  feet  and  legs  are  especially  liable  to 
canker.  The  tissue  of  such  horses  is  soft  and  low 
organized,  and  when  injured  is  not  so  easily  healed 
as  that  of  a  well-bred  horse,  and  has  more  tenden- 
cy to  take  on  an  unhealthy  development.  I  think 
that  is  likely  the  reason  why  the  heavy  draft  horse 
is  more  liable  to  such  derangements.  It  is  said  the 
is  likely  the- reason  why  the  heavy  draft  horse  is 
more  liable  to  such  derangements.  It  is  said  the 
condition  most  favorable  for  the  development  of 
canker  is  dampness;  in  fact,  dampness  seems  to 
be  indispensable  to  the  existence  and  growth  of 
the  parasite.  I  have  no  doubt  that  such  is  the 
case  so  far  as  the  parasite  is  concerned,  but  as  for 
canker  the  majority  of  cases  that  have  come  under 
my  notice  have  been  horses  which  worked  in  the 
city,  having  good,  comfortable,  dry  stables.  I 
cannot  recall  a  case  which  I  consider  was  caused 
by  dampness.  The  worst  case  of  canker  I  ever  had 
to  treat  was  during  the  summer  months,  when 
everything  was  excessively  dry  and  the  stable  was 
kept  clean.     Canker  seems  to  be  a  disease  peculiar 


268  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

to  some  horses,  as  it  sometimes  affects  two  or 
three  feet  of  the  same  horse  at  the  same  time,  and 
I  think  is  caused  by  bad  shoeing,  that  is,  cutting 
away  too  much  of  the  horny  frog,  and  when  the 
animal  tramps  on  some  hard  substance  the  fatty 
frog  is  bruised,  this  being  the  exciting  cause.  It  is 
also  the  result  of  nails  penetrating  the  frog,  or 
other  injuries. 

Symptoms  of  canker:  There  is  an  abundant 
discharge  of  a  thin,  very  offensive  smelling  fluid. 
The  frog  swells,  becomes  soft  and  spongy.  The 
outer  surface  may  have  some  stringy  fibers  of  horn, 
which,  if  it  is  pared  off,  bleeds  very  freely;  in  fact 
it  has  become  a  bleeding  fungus.  In  some  cases 
the  discharge  dries,  forming  cheesy  patches  com- 
posed of  horny  cells,  very  foul  smelling.  Al- 
though healing  preparations  have  been  used,  it  has 
no  disposition  to  heal,  but  gradually  gets  worse 
and  the  animal  becomes  very  lame.  If  only  one 
foot  is  affected  it  will  hold  it  up  for  a  while;  if  two 
or  more  feet  are  affected  the  animal  will  lie  down 
the  greater  part  of  the  time,  and  it  may  require 
assistance  to  rise. 

Treatment:  If  the  animal  is  fat  give  it  a  dose  of 
aloes  as  a  physic.  Follow  this  by  giving  one  tea- 
spoonful  of  phosphate  of  calcium  in  the  morning 
and  a  heaping  teaspoonful  of  sulphate  of  iron  in 
the  evening.  Continue  this  for  two  weeks.  If  the 
animal  is  fevered  give  half  an  ounce  nitrate  of  po- 
tassium a  day  in  a  bran  mash.  Poultice  the  foot 
for  a  few  days  with  linseed  meal  made  into  a  poul- 
tice with  boiling  water  and  spread  it  on  a  cloth, 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  269 

and  when  cool  enough  to  apply  sprinkle  on  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  acetate  of  lead.  Remove  it  twice  daily. 
After  the  surrounding  horn  is  softened  and  the 
foot  cleaned  by  the  poultice,  then  remove  all  loose 
horn,  and  also  pare  the  frog  down  to  the  quick, 
and  after  bleeding  has  ceased  clean  and  dry  the 
part  well.  Take  a  piece  of  smooth  stick  and  rub  on 
a  little  finely  powdered  bichloride  of  mercury;  use 
no  more  at  once  than  would  lie  on  a  dime,  as  there 
is  danger  of  it  becoming  absorbed,  but  no  danger 
from  using  that  quantity.  Cover  the  part  with  dry 
cotton  batting  or  oakum  and  put  on  a  boot  or  bag. 
Do  not  disturb  this  until  the  end  of  the  second  day, 
and  if  it  is  still  dry  and  the  surface  hard,  let  it 
alone  for  another  day  or  two.  When  the  crust 
that  has  formed  by  the  mercury  comes  off,  apply  a 
little  more,  and  so  on  until  it  appears  firm  and 
healthy.  This  is  the  best  thing  to  use  in  the  ma- 
jority of  cases,  but  when  the  discharge  keeps  up, 
which  it  will  sometimes  do,  use  a  liquid  caustic, 
such  as  terchloride  of  antimony  or  diluted  nitric 
acid.  Put  on  sufficient  to  cover  all  the  diseased 
surface.  Protect  the  sore  as  before,  and  repeat  the 
caustic  once  a  day  if  necessary.  If  there  is  any 
hard  horn  pressing  on  the  sore  part  remove  it.  A 
shoe  should  be  put  on,  as  it  will  protect  the  sore. 
After  the  unhealthy  parts  have  been  removed  I 
find  that  to  sprinkle  calomel  over  the  surface  once 
every  third  day  is  a  good  thing.  Some  prefer  tar, 
with  a  little  sulphuric  acid,  two  parts  of  tar  and 
one  of  acid.  Dip  cotton  batting  or  oakum  into  it 
and  spread  over  the  surface,  and  keep  in  place  by 


270  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

putting  strips  of  tin  between  it  and  the  shoe. 
Whatever  medicine  is  used,  it  takes  a  long  time  to 
cure  it,  but  most  cases  can  be  remedied  if  the 
treatment  is  continued  and  well  done. 

Punctures  to  the  Sole  of  the  Feet  by  Nails. — A 
horse  may  step  on  a  nail  and  it  may  pierce  any  part 
of  the  sole,  but  usually  it  is  found  to  have  entered 
the  cleft  of  the  frog.  The  danger  of  a  nail  pene- 
trating the  foot  is  the  depth  it  penetrates  and  the 
structures  it  injures.  Thus  a  nail  enters  the  cleft 
of  the  frog  midway  between  the  toe  and  the  heel, 
and  if  it  should  penetrate  deep  it  would  likely 
wound  the  coffin  joint,  causing  a  severe  lameness, 
and  sometimes  the  death  of  the  animal.  I  have 
seen  several  cases  of  this  kind. 

Treatment:  Remove  the  nail  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble. Clean  the  foot  and  put  on  a  bran  poultice  to 
assist  in  keeping  down  the  inflammation,  and  con- 
tinue this  for  three  days.  Pare  away  a  little  of  the 
sole,  as  it  is  likely  matter  will  form.  This  being 
done  pour  on  a  little  diluted  carbolic  acid,  a  tea- 
spoonful  to  four  ounces  of  water;  dress  it  once  a 
day  and  keep  it  clean  by  putting  on  a  dry  bag.  The 
horse  should  not  be  put  to  work  until  it  is  over  its 
lameness.  The  sole  is  sometimes  punctured  by 
some  sharp  substance.  If  the  animal  is  lame  the 
shoe  should  be  removed  and  the  sole  cleaned  and 
pared  out  a  little  and  the  puncture  found.  Pare 
away  a  little  of  the  sole  at  the  puncture,  just  suffi- 
cient to  allow  the  matter  to  escape.  By  cutting 
out  a  piece  of  the  sole  the  sensitive  sole  will  pro- 
trude and  often  become  fungus.    There  is  no  need 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  271 

to  remove  more  than  will  let  the  matter  out.  Put 
on  a  poultice  to  reduce  the  fever,  then  treat  as  for 
nail  in  the  foot. 

Pricks  in  Shoeing. — In  driving  the  nail  in  shoe- 
ing it  may  penetrate  the  sensitive  sole,  or  it  may 
be  so  close  to  it  as  to  cause  a  pressure  on  the  sen- 
sitive part.  When  a  horse  is  pricked  in  shoeing 
the  animal  will  jerk  his  foot  away  from  the  smith, 
the  nail  is  drawn  out,  but  the  sensitive  sole  is 
wounded.  The  animal  may  go  lame  or  it  may  not. 
When  the  nail  is  too  closely  driven  to  the  quick, 
causing  a  slight  bulge  of  the  horny  part  against 
the  sensitive,  there  may  be  no  lameness  when  the 
horse  leaves  the  shop,  but  in  a  day  or  two  the  ani- 
mal becomes  lame.  In  all  cases  in  which  a  horse 
becomes  lame,  at  or  soon  after  being  shod,  and  if 
no  other  cause  is  apparent,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
have  the  shoe  removed  and  the  foot  put  into  a 
poultice  for  a  few  days  to  remove  the  soreness.  In 
cases  of  pricks  it  may  be  necessary,  if  the  animal 
remains  lame  after  the  foot  has  been  poulticed,  to 
pare  the  part  where  the  nail  punctured  to  allow 
any  matter  that  may  have  formed  to  escape.  Re- 
place the  poultice  again  for  a  few  days.  By  at- 
tending to  this  properly  you  may  save  the  animal 
much  suffering  and  yourself  much  loss,  as  I  have 
seen  several  cases  of  lock-jaw  caused  by  pricks  by 
the  nail  in  shoeing,  which,  if  they  had  been  attend- 
ed to  at  once,  could  have  been  saved.  It  will  be 
necessary  to  put  on  a  bar  shoe  in  order  to  remove 
weight  from  the  injured  part  and  have  it  rest  on 
the  frog  and  sound  part  of  the  foot. 


272  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

Weak  Feet. — There  are  some  horses  whose  feet 
are  naturally  weak,  having  thin  heels,  and  very 
brittle  walls,  that  will  split  into  layers  when  the 
nails  are  driven.  Such  feet  require  to  be  shod  with 
strong  bar  shoes;  and  in  some  cases  it  will  be  a 
benefit  to  put  leather  soles  under  the  shoe.  Any 
horse  which  shows  any  tenderness  or  slight  pain 
after  a  long  drive  or  a  hard  day's  work  can  be 
greatly  relieved  by  having  the  feet  and  legs  bathed 
in  water;  or  better,  a  bran  poultice  put  on  during 
the  night.  This  will  remove  the  soreness,  and  the 
animal  will  be  sound  in  the  morning. 

Quittor. — This  is  the  name  given  to  a  fistulous 
opening  upon  the  heels  and  quarters  of  the  coron- 
ary band,  and  is  caused  by  treads,  pricks  in  shoe- 
ing, bruises,  <and  suppurating  corns.  Any  injury 
which  will  cause  suppuration  within  the  foot  will 
usually  cause  matter  to  form  at  the  coronet,  and 
may  result  in  quittor. 

The  symptoms  of  quittor:  Swelling  upon  the 
coronet,  great  lameness,  and  a  discharge  of  thin 
or  thick  curdy  pus.  There  may  be  one  or  a  number 
of  small  openings  leading  down  into  the  sensitive 
part  of  the  foot.  The  parts  surrounding  the  quit- 
tor  swell  and  become  hard  and  take  on  a  peculiar 
unhealthy  action  and  are  difficult  to  cure. 

Treatment:  Clean  the  foot  and  put  into  a  bran 
poultice  for  several  days,  then  remove  any  horn 
that  may  be  pressing  on  the  sore  part.  If  it  is  at 
the  heel  remove  the  crust  with  the  knife ;  if  it  is 
in  front  rasp  it  thin.  If  it  is  caused  by  a  punc- 
ture in  the  foot  open  up  the  part  a  little  so  that 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  273 

if  there  is  any  matter  it  will  escape.  Then  probe 
the  opening  at  the  top  to  find  the  depth  and  direc- 
tion. Take  a  grain  of  the  bichloride  of  mercury 
and  roll  it  up  in  tissue  paper  into  a  cone  and  press 
it  down  to  the  bottom.  Serve  all  the  openings  in 
this  way.  Put  the  foot  into  a  bag  to  protect  it 
from  injury  and  let  it  alone  for  three  days,  then 
clean  out  the  openings  and  put  in  some  more  of 
the  bichloride  of  mercury,  and  so  on  for  two  weeks, 
or  until  the  parts  become  healthy  and  the  hard 
swelling  has  decreased;  then  make  up  a  bath  of 
chloride  of  zinc  one  ounce,  water  one  gallon;  put 
the  foot  in  this  twice  a  day  for  twenty  minutes  at 
a  time.  As  soon  as  the  openings  are  healed  blister 
the  coronet  with  cantharides  two  drams,  lard  one 
ounce;  repeat  in  two  weeks  if  necessary.  When  it 
is  time  to  put  on  the  shoe  and  work  the  horse,  a  bar 
shoe  will  be  best.  If  the  animal  has  much  fever 
in  the  early  stages  of  the  disease  give  a  dose  of 
aloes,  and  follow  this  by  giving  half  an  ounce  of 
nitrate  of  potassium  twice  a  day  in  mash.  Later  in 
the  disease  give  a  teaspoonful  of  sulphate  of  iron 
once  daily  in  bran  mash  as  a  tonic. 

SORE   FEET   IN   CATTLE. 

Cattle  are  occasionally  affected  with  sore  feet, 
by  hard  substances  getting  impacted  between  the 
hoofs.  This  happens  often  in  towns  and  where  the 
cinders  from  coal  fires  have  been  put  in  the  yard, 
this  substance  getting  in  between  the  claws  into 
the  soft  parts,  causing  inflammation,  suppura- 
tion and  great  lameness.   The  cinders  should  never 


274  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

be  put  into  yards  where  cloven-footed  animals  are 
kept.  Cattle  kept  standing  on  a  hard  floor,  or 
sometimes  on  very  hard  pastures,  or  driven  on 
hard  roads,  are  liable  to  suffer  from  sore  feet,  re- 
sembling founder  in  horses.  Nails  and  other  sharp 
bodies  sometimes  penetrate  the  feet  of  cattle. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  is  seen  to  go  lame,  or  a 
sore  swelling  may  appear  at  the  back  of  the  foot  or 
heels.  It  will  be  necessary  to  examine  the  foot  or 
feet  carefully  and  find  the  cause.  If  it  is  from  im- 
paction of  hard  material  in  the  cleft  of  the  hoof 
have  it  removed  and  the  parts  well  cleaned,  and 
use  a  lotion  of  zinc  chloride  one  dram,  water  one 
pint;  dress  with  this  twice  a  day  and  keep  the 
animal  on  clean  straw  until  healed.  If  from  some 
sharp  substance  in  the  hoof  remove  it  and  pare  a 
little  opening  in  the  sole  and  use  a  little  of  the 
above  lotion.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  keep  a 
poultice  on  the  feet  of  cattle,  especially  on  a  hind 
foot,  as  it  will  keep  kicking  until  the  poultice 
comes  off.  If  it  is  caused  bv  standing  on  a  hard 
floor  or  hard  ground  remove  to  a  damp,  soft  place 
for  a  few  days,  when  usually  the  animal  will  be 
relieved.  The  disease  known  as  the  foot  and 
mouth  disease,  or  foul  in  the  feet,  which  is  a  con- 
tagious one,  has  not  reached  this  country.  There 
have  been  some  few  cases  which  somewhat  resem- 
bled it,  but  ou  investigation  it  proved  to  be  only  a 
local  disease  and  not  contagious.  I  have  met  wTith 
some  few  cases  in  which  inflammation  had  taken 
place  in  the  sensitive  sole,  causing  a  separation 
of  the  horn  from  the  soft  parts;  also  granulations 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  275 

of  a  soft,  unhealthy  substance  at  the  heel  between 
the  claws.  This  was  called  "foul  in  the  foot,"  and 
a  few  cattle  on  the  same  farm  were  affected  with 
it.  I  found  that  it  was  not  contagious  and  readily 
yielded  to  treatment.  Clean  the  hoofs  and  remove 
some  of  the  loose  horn,  and  remove  any  matter  that 
is  lodged  between  the  horn  and  soft  parts  and 
dress  it  with  the  above  lotion.  If  there  are  any 
unhealthy  granulations  apply  a  little  terchloride 
of  antimony  with  a  brush  or  a  feather  once  a  day 
until  they  are  reduced,  then  apply  the  chloride  of 
zinc  lotion  to  heal  the  part.  The  animal  should 
be  kept  in  a  clean  place  while  under  treatment 


276  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER  XXL 

FISTULA  OF  THE  WITHERS. 

This  is  a  disease  usually  found  on  the  withers, 
but  may  occur  in  other  parts  of  the  body.  It  is 
caused  by  a  bruise,  pressure,  or  injury.  Some- 
times it  may  be  caused  by  the  collar  or  saddle  and 
is  also  caused  by  horses  rolling  on  something  hard. 
Horses  with  high  withers  are  usually  more  prone 
to  it.  I  have  also  taken  notice  in  my  practice  that 
two-thirds  of  the  cases  I  have  treated  were  mares, 
I  think  from  their  withers  being  bitten  by  the 
horse.  The  deep  parts  are  affected,  by  a  low  form 
of  inflammation,  causing  some  swelling;  and  by 
degrees  the  injured  tissue  breaks  down  into  mat- 
ter, and  if  \he  part  is  not  opened  will  break  of  its 
own  accord  and  discharge.  There  is  a  tendency  of 
this  part  to  form  a  quantity  of  false,  unhealthy  tis- 
sue of  a  soft,  spongy  texture,  and  as  long  as  any  of 
it  remains  the  part  will  not  heal,  and  if  it  should 
do  so  it  will  soon  break  out  again,  and  in  the  mean- 
time more  false  tissue  will  form.  It  is  said  that 
the  matter  burrows  down  through  the  muscles. 
This  is  not  correct,  as  I  have  never  seen  a  case  in 
which  matter  burrowed,  unless  between  the  skin 
and  the  flesh,  and  not  often  there.  If  such  was  the 
case,  in  old  standing  fistulas  the  matter  would  find 
its  way  out  at  the  bottom  instead  of  the  top.     The 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  277 

matter  forms  by  the  breaking  down  of  the  tissue 
in  the  direction  in  which  it  is  injured.  The  idea 
that  it  is  necessary  to  have  a  depending  opening 
for  the  escape  of  the  matter  is  a  mistake,  I  have 
proved  to  my  own  satisfaction  that  healthy  pus 
does  not  prevent  a  wound  in  any  part  of  the  body 
from  healing.  Fistula  is  considered  a  very  trouble- 
some disease  to  treat;  but  since  I  have  adopted  a 
method  first  introduced  by  my  late  brother,  Dr. 
James  Mcintosh,  I  have  had  no  difficulty  in  curing 
it.  I  have  treated  fifty-four  cases  of  it  at  the  free 
clinic  at  the  University  of  Illinois  and  all  were 
cured.  A  number  of  these  were  of  two  and  three 
years'  standing  and  had  been  treated  in  the  old 
way  by  the  use  of  the  knife.  After  experimenting 
for  several  years  on  this  disease  by  the  use  of  the 
knife  and  various  caustic  medicines,  my  brother 
adopted  the  following  treatment:  Examine  the 
opening  with  a  probe  to  find  the  direction  and 
depth,  and  at  the  same  time  ascertain  if  there  is 
any  foreign  substance  in  it,  such  as  a  fragment  of 
bone  from  the  spine  of  the  vertebra  or  disease  of 
same.  When  satisfied  that  there  is  none  (or  if 
there  should  be  remove  it),  then  take  a  strip  of  soft 
muslin  and  dip  it  in  terchloride  of  antimony  and 
press  it  into  the  opening,  then  draw  it  out  again 
and  put  in  another.  Let  the  last  remain  in  for 
some  hours;  then  draw  it  out,  let  it  alone  for  three 
days,  then  repeat.  If  there  is  more  than  one  open- 
ing serve  the  others  in  the  same  way.  On  the  third 
or  fourth  day  repeat,  and  so  on  for  three  or  four 
weeks  until  all  the  unhealthy  tissue  is  destroyed, 


278  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

which  is  known  by  the  mouth  of  the  opening  sink- 
ing in  and  the  swelling  being  reduced.  Besides 
putting  the  antimony  into  the  openings  it  is  neces- 
sary to  rub  a  little  of  the  following  on  the  swelling: 
Cantharides,  two  drams;  lard,  one  ounce;  rub  on  a 
sufficient  quantity  of  this  well  in  with  the  fingers. 
Repeat  in  two  weeks.  This  form  of  blister  seems 
to  have  the  power  of  acting  as  an  alterative,  chang- 
ing the  unhealthy  tissue  into  healthy,  and  there- 
fore assists  greatly  in  the  cure  of  fistula.  In  a 
week  or  two  after  stopping  the  use  of  the  antimony, 
if  the  openings  should  show  signs  of  bulging,  and 
have  a  bluish,  spongy  aspect,  use  the  antimony 
again  for  a  few  times,  as  it  is  possible  that  all  the 
pipes  were  not  destroyed.  I  have  had  to  do  this 
three  or  four  times  before  I  succeeded  in  getting  it 
in  a  healthy  condition  to  heal.  Keep  at  it  even  if 
it  takes  several  months  to  cure  it.  There  are  cases 
in  which  the  withers  of  the  horse  get  bruised,  caus- 
ing swelling  and  heat  of  the  part,  which  would  like- 
ly become  a  fistula  if  it  were  not  properly  treated. 
Bathe  the  part  well  with  cold  water  for  twenty 
minutes  three  times  a  day,  and  apply  acetate  of 
lead,  half  an  ounce;  water,  one  quart.  Saturate 
a  piece  of  woolen  rag  with  a  little  of  this  and  lay 
it  over  the  swollen  part  after  each  bathing,  until 
the  heat  is  removed,  then  use  the  cantharides  blis 
ter  above  mentioned.  Repeat  every  second  week. 
This  will  either  scatter  it  or  hasten  the  formation 
of  matter.  If  a  part  of  the  swelling  becomes  very 
soft  and  the  hair  drops  out  it  is  in  a  condition  to 
be  opened  with  the  knife.     After  removing  the 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  279 

matter  by  injecting  water  into  it,  use  the  antimony 
as  above  directed. 

POLL-EVIL. 

This  form  of  fistula  is  situated  on  the  "poll"  be- 
hind the  ears,  and  is  caused  by  injuries  and  using 
a  tight  bearing  rein. 

Symptoms:  A  swelling  appears  behind  the  ears, 
it  may  be  on  one  side  or  both.  When  it  appears 
quickly  it  is  hot  and  painful  to  the  touch;  at  other 
times  it  comes  on  gradually  and  is  not  hot  or  ten- 
der. It  increases  very  slowly  and  it  may  be  years 
before  it  turns  into  a  fistula.  I  have  seen  a  num- 
ber of  cases  of  this  kind,  and  all  enlargements  be- 
hind the  ears  should  be  looked  upon  with  suspicion. 
In  some  cases  matter  will  form  in  a  few  days. 

Treatment:  In  all  cases  of  swelling  in  this  local- 
ity the  treatment  should  be  energetic  and  well 
done;  a  fistula  when  established  is  very  difficult  to 
cure,  as  there  are  so  many  tendons  in  this  part  that 
it  is  not  easy  to  get  under  them,  and  the  tissue  is 
of  the  low  order,  having  a  great  tendency  to  de- 
velop quantities  of  unhealthy  flesh.  In  the  early 
stage  before  matter  has  formed,  and  it  is  hot  and 
tender,  bathe  it  for  half  an  hour  with  cold  water 
three  times  a  day  and  apply  the  lead  lotion  as  for 
the  fistula  of  the  withers.  After  all  the  heat  has 
disappeared  and  the  swelling  remains,  apply  the 
cantharides  blister;  and  for  those  lumps  which 
are  developing  slowly  and  which  have  no  heat  or 
tenderness  in  them,  also  blister  every  second  week 
and  continue  it  if  necessary  for  several  months, 


280  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

and  in  the  majority  of  cases  they  will  disappear. 
The  bearing  rein  should  not  be  used  on  a  horse  so 
afflicted;  in  fact,  it  should  not  be  used  on  any.  It 
is  cruel  to  keep  a  horse  for  hours  with  its  head  ele- 
vated in  the  air,  and  if  the  poor  brute  is  driven  fac- 
ing the  sun  it  suffers  greatly  and  it  destroys  the 
sight  to  a  certain  extent.  I  hope  the  day  is  not 
far  distant  when  no  right  minded  man  will  allow 
a  bearing  rein  on  his  horse.  When  the  matter 
forms,  the  lumps  ought  to  be  opened  and  the  parts 
cleaned  out  with  water  and  the  same  manner  of 
treatment  used  as  for  fistula  of  the  withers.  Some- 
times stiffness  of  the  neck  is  the  result  of  poll-evil, 
and  may  in  some  cases  be  benefited  by  repeated 
blistering  with  cantharides. 

FISTULA. 

A  fistula  may  form  in  any  part  of  the  body,  and 
is  the  result  of  an  injury  caused  by  the  lodgment 
of  some  foreign  substance  such  as  a  piece  of  wood 
or  a  nail  in  the  muscle  or  the  bone,  and  the  tissue 
may  become  diseased,  which  causes  the  formation 
of  matter,  keeping  up  the  discharge.  A  horse  was 
brought  to  me  which  had  a  discharge  of  matter 
from  a  small  opening  in  its  hip  for  over  two  years. 
On  examiningitwiththeprobelfound  at  thedepth 
of  four  inches  a  hard  substance.  I  had  the  horse 
cast  and  I  cut  down  on  this  hard  substance  and 
found  it  to  be  a  piece  of  wood  imbedded  in  the  mus- 
cle, surrounded  by  a  tough  membrane  with  a  small 
opening  in  it  through  which  the  matter  that  ac- 
cumulated passed  out  to  the  surface,  forming  a 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  281 

fistula.  The  wood  was  removed  and  it  healed  in 
a  few  weeks  with  very  little  treatment.  A  little  of 
the  following,  acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce, 
sulphate  of  zinc  half  an  ounce,  water  one  quart, 
was  iujected  once  daily.  I  give  this  as  an  illustra- 
tion, and  I  have  seen  many  cases  resembling  it. 
If  a  deep  sore  does  not  heal  in  a  reasonable  time, 
it  should  be  examined  with  a  probe  to  find  the 
cause  and  remove  it  if  possible.  If  nothing  can  be 
detected  in  the  wound,  treat  as  recommended  for 
fistula  of  the  withers. 


282  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

WOUNDS. 

In  the  study  of  wounds  it  is  necessary  to  under- 
stand the  nature  of  the  structure  wounded.  The 
external  surface  of  the  animal  body  is  chiefly  com- 
posed of  two  kinds  of  tissue,  the  highly  organized 
and  the  low  form.  All  the  fleshy  or  muscular 
parts  belong  to  the  former;  the  tendons,  ligaments 
and  cartilage  to  the  latter.  What  is  meant  by 
highly-organized  tissue  is  where  it  is  largely  sup- 
plied with  blood  vessels,  nerves  and  lymphatics, 
while  the  low  order  of  tissue  contains  very  few  if 
any  blood  vessels,  nerves  and  lymphatics,  and  is 
nourished  by  the  vessels  which  ramify  over  their, 
surface.  When  a  muscle  is  wounded,  the  first 
thing  nature  does  is  to  pour  out  a  liquid  to  repair 
the  mischief  done.  This  may  take  place  by  ad- 
hesion or  by  a  fine  granular  substance  which  de- 
velops and  fills  up  the  injured  part;  blood  vessels 
shoot  into  it  and  it  becomes  flesh,  and  so  it  pro- 
ceeds until  the  part  is  repaired,  and  if  no  accident 
happens  to  it,  either  by  the  animal  rubbing  or  bit- 
ing it,  and  last  but  not  least,  by  the  applying  of 
irritant  substances  such  as  turpentines  or  strong 
liniments,  which  destroy  the  fine,  delicate  young 
tissue  that  nature  is  pouring  out  for  repair,  all  that 
is  needed  to  assist  nature  in  the  healing  is  to  pro- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  283 

tect  it  from  injury  if  possible.  First  examine  the 
wound  to  find  the  depth  and  direction  and  to  see 
that  there  is  no  foreign  substance  in  it,  then  re- 
move all  hair  or  dirt  and  wash  it  out  carefully  with 
water  in  which  a  little  carbolic  acid  has  been  put, 
about  a  teaspoonful  to  the  quart  of  water.  If  it  is 
a  superficial  wound  it  is  best  cleaned  by  letting 
the  water  run  over  it,  and  if  deep,  use  a  syringe 
with  gentle  force.  Washing  with  a  sponge  is  too 
rough  for  the  new  tissue.  If  the  wound  is  a  clean 
cut,  lengthwise  on  the  muscle,  stitching  is  of  use. 
If  the  wound  is  ragged  or  cut  crosswise,  stitch- 
ing is  of  no  use,  as  the  ragged  parts  have  to  slough 
off  and  the  movement  of  the  muscle  prevents  a  cut 
from  uniting  and  must  hv,al  by  granulation.  After 
a  wounded  muscle  has  been  cleaned,  wash  as  little 
as  possible,  as  it  will  disturb  the  healing  process. 
In  the  majority  of  flesh  wounds,  if  they  are  not  dis- 
turbed they  will  heal  very  rapidly.  They  will  heal 
even  if  treated  by  strong  liniments,  but  very  likety 
there  will  be  a  blemish,  which  would  not  be  if  na- 
ture was  not  interfered  with.  There  is  an  idea 
that  most  people  have  that  they  must  use  some- 
thing to  keep  out  the  cold  or  heat,  which  is  a  mis- 
take, and  by  doing  this  the  strong  medicines  used 
do  far  more  damage  than  the  cold  or  heat. 

Wounds  are  divided  into  four  kinds:  Incised 
(clean  cut),  lacerated  (torn),  contused  (bruised),  and 
punctured  wounds.  I  shall  give  the  treatment  of 
each  kind  separately.  A  clean-cut  wound  length- 
wise on  the  muscle  usually  heals  by  what  is  called 
first  intention.     First  examine  the  wound  as  to  its 


284  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

depth  and  direction  and  to  see  that  there  is  no 
foreign  substance  in  it,  next  stop  bleeding  by  ap- 
plying cold  or  hot  water  to  it.  If  a  large  vessel 
has  been  cut,  it  requires  to  be  tied.  Then  mix  one 
teaspoonful  of  carbolic  acid  in  a  quart  of  water 
and  let  a  little  of  this  run  over  the  cut  surface. 
Then  bring  the  edges  of  the  wound  together  either 
by  pins,  silk  thread,  or  cat-gut  steeped  in  the  above 
lotion.  Pins  are  the  best,  as  they  remain  in  longer 
without  sloughing.  The  pin  should  be  inserted 
one-eighth  of  an  inch  from  the  edge,  and  when 
both  lips  have  been  transfixed  in  this  way,  a  thread 
or  small  cord  carried  around  both  edges  of  the  pin 
and  made  to  describe  a  figure  eight  will  hold  the 
wound  close.  The  pins  should  be  put  in  about 
three-quarters  of  an  inch  apart.  If  the  thread  or 
cat-gut  is  used  the  needle  should  be  passed  in 
about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  from  the  edge  of  the 
wound  and  brought  out  at  the  other  side  about 
the  same  distance,  then  the  two  ends  of  the  thread 
are  tied  and  another  stitch  about  three-quarters  of 
an  inch  apart,  and  so  on  until  the  wound  is  closed ; 
apply  a  little  carbolic  lotion  once  a  day  to  the  part, 
but  be  careful  not  to  disturb  the  wound.  If  the 
wound  is  across  the  muscle  and  is  of  an  inch  or 
more  in  depth,  stitching  is  of  no  benefit,  as  we  can- 
not prevent  the  cut  ends  from  moving  below  the 
stitches  and  union  will  not  take  place,  but  if  it  is 
superficial  it  may  be  stitched  as  before  described. 
If  the  part  should  swell  and  get  hot  it  will  be  nec- 
essary to  take  out  some  of  the  pins  or  stitches  in 
order  to  get  it  cleaned.     Foment  with  hot  water  or 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  285 

cold  water.  Then  inject  some  of  the  carbolic  lo- 
tion; do  this  several  times  daily.  After  the  in- 
flammation  has  been  subdued  the  wound  will  heal 
by  granulation. 

Lacerated  (torn)  wounds  require  to  be  examined 
as  the  others,  cold  or  hot  water  used  to  stop  bleed- 
in-,  and  cleaned  by  letting  water  run 'over  them. 
There  is  no  benefit  to  be  derived  from  sewing  up 
a  wound  of  this  kind,  as  the  ragged  parts  have  to 
slouo-h  off  in  theformof  matter,  and  if  it  is  penned 
up  by  the  wound  being  stitched  it  cannot  escape; 
the  parts  swell,  and  the  stitches  give  way,  leaving 
the  edges  more  ragged  than  before,  so  it  is  best 
in  all  cases  of  torn  wounds  not  to  stitch  them.    If 
after   a   time   the  wound  should  assume  an  un- 
healthy or  spongy  appearance,  use  acetate  of  lead, 
half  an  ounce;  sulphate  of  zinc,  half  an  ounce;  acid 
carbolic,  one  dram,  and  water,  one  quart.    Clean 
the  wound  with  water,  then  apply  a  little  of  this 
lotion  twice  a  day. 

Punctured  wounds  are  the  most  dangerous  ot 
all  because  they  are  liable  to  contain  foreign  sub- 
stances, such  as  hair,  pieces  of  wood,  etc.,  and  are 
likely  to  inflame,  ending  in  mortification  and  per- 
haps the  death  of  the  animal.  Wounds  of  this 
kind  require  to  be  examined  with  great  care. 
Probe  the  part  to  find  the  depth  and  direction  of 
the  wound,  also  to  ascertain  if  there  is  any  foreign 
substance  at  the  bottom  of  it,  and  if  so,  it  must  be 
remoVed.  It  is  advisable  to  make  the  opening 
larger,  also  to  have  it  depending,  so  that  any  fluid 
or  matter  that  may  form  in  it  will  run  out.     It  is 


2SG  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

often  very  difficult  and  even  dangerous  to  do  this, 
besides  causing  extra  suffering  to  the  animal. 
And  I  find  that  a  depending  opening  in  the  ma- 
jority of  cases  is  unnecessary  if  the  wound  is  prop- 
erly treated.  Instead  of  enlarging  the  wound, 
clean  it  as  well  as  possible,  then  dip  a  piece  of  soft 
muslin  in  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  three  drams; 
water,  four  ounces;  press  this  down  to  the  bottom 
of  the  wound  with  a  probe,  let  it  remain  in  for  a  few 
hours,  then  draw  it  out  and  put  in  a  fresh  one;  do 
this  three  times  a  day  for  a  few  days.  This  will 
act  as  an  antiseptic,  destroying  germ  life  and  pre- 
venting mortification.  In  a  few  days  matter  will 
form  and  all  danger  is  passed.  Clean  it  out  twice 
a  day  with  warm  water  and  inject  a  little  of  the 
carbolic  lotion  used  for  incised  wrounds. 

Contused  Wounds. — These  are  usually  caused 
by  pressure,  kicks  or  bruises.  In  the  majority  of 
cases  the  skin  is  not  broken,  and  if  the  part  is 
bathed  with  acetate  of  lead,  half  an  ounce;  water, 
one  quart,  several  times  a  day  to  keep  down  inflam- 
mation it  will  likely  give  no  trouble,  but  sometimes 
effusion  will  collect  from  the  effects  of  the  injur}, 
and  the  part  will  swell  up  and  will  be  soft  and 
puffy  to  the  touch.  In  this  case  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  open  it  and  allow  the  fluid  to  escape.  Then 
inject  a  little  of  the  following  twice  a  day:  Zinc 
chloride,  two  drams ;  water,  one  quart.  If  it  leaves 
a  thickening,  rub  on  biniodide  of  mercury,  one 
dram;  lard,  one  and  a  half  ounces,  every  second 
week.  For  old,  unhealthy  sores,  such  as  are  made 
by  a  constant  rubbing  and  will  not  heal,  remove 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  287 

the  cause  and  apply  a  little  terchloride  of  antimony 
with  a  feather.  In  three  days  a  scab  will  come 
off,  and  if  it  looks  soft  and  spongy  apply  a  little 
more  of  the  antimony  every  third  day  until  the 
part  becomes  healthy.  Then  use  zinc  oxide,  one 
ounce;  lard,  two  ounces;    rub  on  a  little  once 

daily. 

We  now  come  to  speak  of  wounds  of  the  low  or- 
der of  tissue,  which  is  found  in  the  legs  from  a  little 
above  the  knees  and  hock  joints  to  the  feet;  here 
we  have  the  tendons,  ligaments,  cartilage  and  their 
connective  tissue  covered  by  skin.     These  struc- 
tures when  injured  require  great  care  so  that  they 
will  heal  without  leaving  a  lump  or  blemish. 
Usually  alow  form  of  inflammation  sets  in  and  we 
have  a  discharge  of  a  yellow  sticky  substance  which 
exudes  from  the  wounded  tendon,  also  secretions 
from  the  connective  tissue.      The  surrounding- 
parts  swell  and  become  hard.     The  center  of  the 
wound  also  fills  up  and  in  time  becomes  higher 
than  the  surrounding  skin,  and  when  the  wound 
heals  it  leaves  at  this  part  what  is  called  a  bunch 
without  any  hair,  which  is  a  very  unsightly  blem- 
ish.    On  account  of  so  many  barb-wire  fences  now- 
adays there  are  a  great  many  horses  and  colts 
blemished  about  the  legs  and  feet     When  an  ani- 
mal meets  with  an  injury  to  any  part  of  the  leg 
from  the  knee  downward,  put  it  in  a  place  where 
it  can  be  kept  quiet  and  prevent  it  from  hurting 
the  part.     Bathe  it  every  half  hour  for  the  first 
twenty-four  hours  with  a  lotion  made  with  acetate 
of  lead,  half  an  ounce;  sulphate  of  zinc,  half  an 


288  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

ounce;  tincture  of  arnica,  two  ounces;  water,  one 
quart.  This  will  keep  down  inflammation  and 
prevent  the  outpouring  of  the  secretions  above 
mentioned.  After  twent y-four  hours  bathe  it  well 
three  times  daily  until  it  heals.  If  it  should  fill 
up  higher  than  the  skin,  then  apply  a  little  bi- 
chloride of  mercury  with  a  smooth  piece  of  stick. 
Never  use  more  at  a  time  than  would  lie  on  a  dime, 
as  there  is  danger,  if  large  quantities  are  used,  of 
enough  becoming  absorbed  to  poison  the  animal. 
Use  it  every  third  day  until  it  is  lower  than  the 
surrounding  skin.  Apply  the  healing  lotion  as  be- 
fore. By  keeping  the  center  lower  than  the  sur- 
rounding parts  the  skin  will  grow  over  it,  leaving 
no  bunch  or  blemish.  If  there  should  be  a  thick- 
ening of  the  surrounding  skin,  which  I  have  some- 
times seen  after  it  is  healed,  rub  on  a  little  of  the 
following:  Biniodide  of  mercury,  two  drams;  lard, 
four  ounces,  mix.  Let  it  remain  on  twenty-four 
hours,  then  wash  off  and  apply  a  little  lard.  Re- 
peat every  second  week  until  the  enlargement  dis- 
appears. In  any  of  the  above  named  injuries,  if 
the  animal  is  fevered  or  its  legs  swell  from  stand- 
ing, give  the  adult  horse  half  an  ounce  of  nitrate 
of  potassium  three  times  a  day  in  its  drinking  wa- 
ter or  a  bran  mash  for  a  few  days,  and  half  this 
quantity  for  a  yearling.  If  the  animal  is  in  an  un- 
thrifty condition  give  the  following:  Sulphate  of 
iron,  four  ounces;  nux  vomica,  two  ounces;  nitrate 
of  potassium,  four  ounces;  mix  and  divide  into 
twenty-four  doses,  one  to  be  given  twice  a  day  in 
mash,  and  half  the  quantity  for  a  yearling  colt. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


289 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE. 

Simple  Ophthalmia  (Conjunctivitis).— This  is  an 
inflammation  of  the  superficial  structures  of  the 

eye. 

Causes:  Colds,  injuries,  bites  from  insects,  the 
lodgment  of  chaff  or  other  foreign  bodies,  and  from 

"pink-eye." 

Symptoms:  The  eyelid  will  be  closed  or  partial- 
ly so  from  the  swelling;  there  will  be  an  increase 
in  the  secretion  of  tears,  which  will  run  down  the 
cheeks,  scalding  them,  and  in  a  short  time  the  hair 
will  drop  out  where  the  tears  pass  over;  the  eye- 
ball will  be  drawn  back  and  the  membrana  nicti- 
tans  (the  haw)  partially  covering  the  eye.  The  lin- 
ing membrane  of  the  eyelids  is  red  and  swollen, 
and  in  bad  cases  it  will  protrude  between  the  lids. 
In  the  course  of  a  day  or  two  if  it  is  not  attended  to 
there  will  be  a  whitish  scum  form  over  the  eye.  If 
it  is  caused  by  an  injury  there  will  usually  be  found 
a  mark  or  a  depression  on  the  ball.  If  from  chaff 
or  other  substances  it  can  be  readily  seen! 

Treatment:  Carefully  examine  the  eye  to  find 
the  cause;  if  it  is  a  hay-seed  or  chaff  or  other  body 
it  must  be  removed.  This  is  usually  difficult,  as 
the  horse  or  ox  will  force  the  haw  over  the  eye  and 
thus  prevent  you  from  getting  the  foreign  sub- 


290  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

stance  out;  a  twitch  should  be  put  on  the  horse's 
nose,  or  the  finger  and  thumb  on  the  ox's  nose. 
This  will  attract  their  attention.  Hay-seed  and 
chaff  are  best  removed  by  putting  a  piece  of  soft 
silk  or  muslin  on  the  end  of  a  probe  or  stick  and 
gently  pushing  upwards  and  backwards,  in  this 
way  removing  it.  If  any  substance  should  be  stick- 
ing into  the  eye,  it  is  best  removed  with  the  forceps. 
After  the  cause  is  removed  bathe  the  eye  wTith  cold 
water  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  three  times  a  day, 
then  apply  a  little  of  the  following  after  each  bath- 
ing: Acetate  of  lead,  ten  grains;  tincture  of  opium, 
ten  drops;  water,  one  and  a  half  ounces;  this  is  best 
put  in  with  a  feather;  use  a  clean  feather  each  time. 
The  scum  that  forms  over  the  cornea  is  not  on  the 
outside  of  it,  but  an  effusion  between  the  coats  of 
the  eye,  caused  by  the  inflammation,  and  usually 
when  the  inflammation  is  subdued  it  passes  away. 
There  is  a  practice  which  some  have  of  blowing 
burned  alum  into  the  eye;  this  is  worse  than  use- 
less, as  it  will  tend  to  keep  up  the  inflammation, 
besides  being  very  cruel  to  the  animal.  If  it 
should  remain  after  the  inflammation  is  all  re- 
duced apply  a  little  of  the  following  once  a  day 
with  a  clean  feather :  Nitrate  of  silver,  five  grains ; 
distilled  water,  one  ounce;  continue  this  for  sev- 
eral weeks  if  needed,  as  absorption  sometimes 
goes  on  very  slowly  in  this  case. 

Periodic  Ophthalmia  (Moon-Blindness). — This  is 
a  very  common  disease  of  the  eye  in  horses  in  some 
parts  of  the  country,  especially  in  wrhat  is  termed 
+ihe  Mississippi  valley.     It  is  a  constitutional  dis- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  291 

ease,  arising  from  some  cause  not  well  defined  at 
present.  Low,  undrained  lands  seem  to  be  at  least 
one  of  the  causes,  as  it  disappears  by  degrees  after 
the  land  has  been  drained  and  cultivated.  It 
seems  to  have  a  tendency  to  run  in  some  breeds  of 
horses. 

Symptoms:  The  attacks  usually  come  on  sud- 
denly ;  a  horse  may  be  all  right  in  the  evening  and 
by  morning  be  badly  affected  either  in  one  eye  or 
in  both.  The  eye  shows  signs  of  weakness,  the  up- 
per lid  droops  and  the  eye  seems  smaller,  it  stands 
light  badly,  and  when  the  animal  is  brought  into 
the  light  the  eye  seems  to  retract  and  the  haw  is 
drawn  over  |t  and  the  lids  closed  as  much  as  pos- 
sible; there  is  an  abundance  of  tears,  which  gives 
the  eyes  a  very  watery  appearance.  When  the  eye 
is  examined  closely  it  looks  dull  and  muddy  and  it 
is  impossible  to  see  the  deep  structures.  In  some 
cases  the  eyeball  has  an  amber  color.  The  disease 
may  move  from  one  eye  to  the  other,  and  usually 
disappears  in  a  week  or  ten  days,  to  return  in  a 
few  weeks  again.  Its  return  is  very  regular  in 
some  horses,  and  in  others  it  may  not  return  for  six 
months.  The  first  attack  seldom  causes  blindness, 
but  each  attack  deranges  the  structure  of  the  eye 
1  p  a  certain  extent  and  by  degrees  the  deep  struc- 
tures are  destroyed,  and  the  ball  has  a  bluish 
white  appearance. 

Treatment:  There  is  no  cure  for  this  disease,  but 
by  attending  to  it  when  it  appears  I  think  in  a 
great  many  cases  it  can  be  helped ;  that  is,  we  can 
subdue  the  inflammation  and  prevent  destruction 


292  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

of  the  eyesight.  When  the  attack  comes  on,  keep 
the  animal  in  a  moderately  dark  place  and  bathe 
the  eyes  with  cold  water  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes, 
and  use  acetate  of  lead,  ten  grains;  tincture  of 
opium,  ten  drops;  water,  one  and  a  half  ounces,  to 
be  applied  after  each  bathing;  this  should  be  done 
three  times  a  day,  and  give  one  dram  iodide  of 
potassium  twice  a  day  for  four  days  in  bran  mash. 
If  this  is  well  done  I  find  that  the  eye  will  be  left 
as  clear  as  before  the  attack,  but  it  will  not  prevent 
it  from  returning;  but  if  we  can  by  this  treatment 
prevent  the  animal  from  becoming  blind  we  are 
accomplishing  a  great  deal.  I  have  tried  arsenic 
and  quinine  as  a  preventive,  but  have  not  suc- 
ceeded. 

Glaucoma. — This  is  a  disease  of  the  vitreous  hu- 
mor, destroying  its  transparency  and  causing  it  to 
become  of  a  blue  color,  and  is  often  the  result  of 
ophthalmia  cataract  and  amaurosis,  and  very  often 
becomes  calcareous  instead  of  remaining  in  a  fluid 
form.  It  sometimes  appears  in  old  animals  with- 
out any  previous  inflammation.  It  is  incurable 
and  treatment  would  be  of  no  use. 

Amaurosis,  or  Glass  Eye. — This  is  a  diseased 
condition  of  the  optic  nerve,  causing  loss  of  power 
to  receive  or  transmit  impressions  of  objects  to  the 
great  nerve  centers  of  the  brain. 

(  auses:  Sudden  shock  by  loss  of  blood,  or  I  have 
seen  it  from  an  animal  striking  its  head,  or  in  fall- 
ing backwards  and  its  head  coming  in  violent  con- 
tact with  the  ground.  It  has  been  caused  by  too 
heavy  pulling,  or  by  being  driven  to  exhaustion. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  293 

It  is  also  associated  with  derangement  of  the 
nerves  of  the  brain,  and  is  said  to  be  caused  by 
various  vegetable  and  animal  poisons. 

Symptoms:  The  eye  looks  glassy  and  is  wider 
open  than  natural,  the  pupil  is  dilated  and  gives 
the  animal  a  look  of  staring,  the  animal  steps  high 
-  and  the  ears  are  pricked  up  and  it  will  run  against 
objects  in  its  way.  Williams  says :  "To  detect  the 
paralyzed  condition  of  the  iris  consequent  upon  the 
loss  of  power  in  the  optic  nerve,  all  that  the  prac- 
titioner has  to  do  is  to  place  the  animal  in  a  strong 
light.  If  the  pupil  remains  round  and  large,  al- 
though the  eye  presents  no  sign  of  organic  change, 
amaurosis  is  present."  In  cattle  it  is  sometimes 
caused  by  a  deranged  state  of  the  brain  from  dis- 
ease of  the  stomach,  and  is  temporary  in  most 
cases  of  milk  fever.  In  this  case  when  the  animal 
is  cured  it  regains  its  sight.  Amaurosis  in  most 
cases  is  incurable. 

Punctures  to  the  Eyeball. — This  is  an  accident 
which  is  likely  to  happen  to  any  animal,  caused  by 
it  running  its  eye  against  something  pointed,  such 
as  a  nail  sticking  out  on  some  of  the  boards  of  the 
manger,  sharp  ends  of  hay,  straw  or  thorns. 

Symptoms:  The  eye  is  kept  closed  and  there  is 
a  copious  flow  of  tears  from  it.  On  examination 
the  puncture  will  be  easily  seen.  If  it  is  only  into 
the  cornea  there  will  be  an  oozing  of  water,  but  if 
it  is  deeper,  the  vitreous  humor  may  be  leaking;  if 
so,  it  resembles  boiled  starch  with  a  purple  tinge, 
and  if  the  opening  is  large  it  may  all  run  out;  if 
it  does  so,  there  will  be  a  shrinking  of  the  eyeball, 


294  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

as  the  vitreous  humor  will  never  be  replaced.  On 
the  other  hand,  if  the  cornea  is  the  part  punctured, 
as  soon  as  it  heals  it  will  fill  up  again.  There  will 
be  considerable  inflammation  in  the  eyeball  and 
surrounding  structures  and  the  animal  will  suffer 
much  pain. 

Treatment :  Keep  the  animal  in  a  dark  place  and 
bathe  the  eye  several  times  a  day  with  cold  water; 
after  each  bathing  put  several  thicknesses  of  mus- 
lin over  the  wounded  eye;  wet  it  often  with  a  little 
of  the  following  lotion:  Acetate  of  lead,  half  an 
ounce;  tincture  of  opium,  one  ounce;  water,  one 
quart.  This  plan  of  treatment  will  reduce  the  in- 
flammation and  assist  in  causing  contraction  of 
the  opening.  It  is  best  not  to  put  any  medicine 
into  the  eye,  as  it  is  apt  to  remove  any  coagulated 
material  that  is  formed  in  the  puncture  or  around 
it,  allowing  more  to  escape.  I  usually  keep  up 
this  treatment  for  a  week,  and  by  this  time  the  in- 
flammation will  be  reduced,  and  in  favorable  cases 
the  opening  will  be  closed,  and  if  there  is  a  scum 
over  the  eye  or  part  of  it,  mix  four  grains  of  sul- 
phate of  zinc  in  one  ounce  of  water  and  apply  a 
little  of  this  to  it  twice  a  day  with  a  feather.  If 
there  is  a  little  bunch  at  the  puncture  this  should 
be  touched  gently  once  a  day  with  a  pencil  of  ni- 
trate of  silver  until  it  is  reduced  as  low  as  the  edges 
of  the  opening,  which  will  then  likely  close. 

Ulcers  on  the  Cornea. — Occasionally  we  will  find 
a  case  in  both  horses  and  cattle  where  there  will 
be  ulcers  on  the  cornea,  usually  at  the  juncture  of 
the  cornea  and  sclerotic.     This  is  best  treated  by 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  295 

touching  them  once  daily  with  nitrate  of  silver. 
If  the  animal  is  in  poor  condition  and  not  thrifty 
give  sulphate  of  iron,  four  ounces;  nitrate  of  potas- 
sium, four  ounces;  nux  vomica,  two  ounces.  Di- 
vide into  twenty-four  doses,  one  to  be  given  once 
daily.  Also  boil  a  teacupful  of  flaxseed  into  a 
pulp  in  two  gallons  of  water,  and  while  hot  pour 
it  into  half  a  pail  of  bran  and  make  a  mash  of  it, 
and  when  cool  put  one  of  the  powders  into  it;  con- 
tinue this  until  the  powders  are  all  used;  repeat 
if  necessary. 

Filaria  Papillosa  (Worm  in  the  Eye). — "Worm  in 
the  Eye"  is  sometimes  seen  in  the  eye  of  the  horse. 
I  have  seen  only  one  case  of  it.  In  this  it  was 
called  "snake  in  eye."  The  worm  is  usually  from 
one  and  a  half  inches  to  two  inches  in  length,  very 
delicate  and  of  a  white  color.  Its  place  of  abode 
is  in  the  aqueous  humor  of  the  eye,  and  can  be 
easily  seen  floating  in  it,  and  sometimes  its  move- 
ments are  very  lively.  The  same  kind  of  worm  has 
been  found  in  other  cavities  of  the  body  and  it  is 
likely  taken  into  the  system  by  the  water  or  food. 
It  is  said  that  it  usually  causes  inflammation,  but 
in  my  case  it  did  not  seem  to  produce  any,  as  the 
eye  was  clear  and  healthy.  Its  removal  is  accom- 
plished by  making  an  incision  with  a  lancet  in  the 
upper  and  outer  margin  of  the  cornea,  and  the 
worm  will  escape  with  the  water.  Bathe  the  eye 
with  cold  water  for  a  few  days  and  keep  the  animal 
in  a  dark  place. 

Entropium  (Inversion  of  the  Eyelids). — In  this 
case  the  free  margins  of  the  eyelid  and  the  eye- 


296  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

\ 

lashes  are  turned  in  against  the  eyeball,  keeping 
up  a  constant  irritation,  which  is  painful  to  the  eye, 
causing  great  distress  and  inflammation  to  the  su- 
perficial structures.  It  is  usually  in  the  foal  that 
it  is  seen,  but  it  may  happen  at  any  time  of  life 
from  paralysis  of  the  muscles  of  the  eyelids.  The 
only  cases  that  have  come  under  my  notice  have 
been  congenital.  I 

Treatment:  Elevate  the  eyelid  and  take  note 
how  much  loose  skin  there  is,  and  the  size  neces- 
sary to  remove  to  keep  the  eyelashes  in  their  prop- 
er place,  then  fold  the  skin  so  that  when  it  is  cut  it 
will  be  of  an  elliptical  shape;  then  bring  the  edges 
of  the  skin  together  by  putting  small  pins  through 
them  and  tying  thread  around  the  pins  in  the  form 
of  the  figure  eight  (two  pins  are  enough);  let  them 
remain  in  until  it  heals.  I  have  operated  on  two 
cases  in  this  way  with  satisfactory  results. 

Warts  on  the  Eyelids. — Warts  on  the  eyelids  are 
common  and  are  sometimes  difficult  to  remove.  If 
they  extend  out  from  the  skin  they  are  best  re- 
moved by  ligatures,  and  when  they  slough  off  they 
should  be  touched  with  nitrate  of  silver  once  or 
twice  a  day  for  a  day  or  two  to  destroy  the  roots. 
If  they  are  flat  on  the  skin  scrape  off  the  crust  with 
a  blunt  knife  and  apply  a  little  strong  acetic  acid, 
taking  care  that  none  of  it  gets  into  the  eye. 

Wounds  to  the  Eyelids. — When  the  eyelids  are 
wounded  they  need  to  be  treated  with  great  care, 
as  they  are  needed  to  protect  the  eye.  The  edges 
should  be  brought  together  as  carefully  as  possible 
and  small  pins  put  through  the  skin  and  cartilage 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  297 

so  that  the  inner  margin  will  be  as  close  as  the 
outer.  If  the  skin  on  the  outer  surface  only  is 
brought  together  the  inner  edge  will  gap  and 
union  will  not  take  place.  When  the  pins  are 
placed  through  each  margin,  then  tie  a  thread  in 
+he  form  of  the  figure  eight  around  the  ends  of  the 
pin;  let  them  remain  in  until  it  heals.  Pins  are 
|best  for  such  wounds,  as  they  will  remain  in  much 
longer  without  sloughing  than  silk  thread  or  su- 
ture wire.  It  will  be  necessary  to  put  a  wide  band- 
age over  it  to  prevent  the  disturbing  of  the  pins. 
If  swelling  takes  place,  bathe  with  cold  water. 

Stricture  of  the  Lachrymal  Duct. — The  lachry- 
mal duct  is  a  tube  which  extends  from  the  inner 
corner  of  the  eye  to  the  nose  to  conduct  the  tears 
down  to  the  nose,  and  anything  that  obstructs  this 
causes  the  tears  to  flow  over  the  cheek,  irritating 
the  skin,  causing  the  hair  to  drop  out.  Very  often 
this  can  be  remedied  by  entering  a  small  syringe  at 
the  top  in  the  inner  corner  of  the  eye  and  forcing 
water  down  through  it.  If  you  do  not  succeed  in 
this  way  it  will  be  necessary  to  use  a  suitable 
"bougie"  to  dilate  it;  this  may  have  to  be  used  once 
daily  for  several  days. 

Cataracts. — Cataract  is  one  of  the  sequels  to 
periodic  ophthalmia,  although  it  appears  without 
causing  any  inflammation,  but  is  usually  caused  by 
some  injury  to  the  eye. 

Symptoms:  The  first  thing  noticed  is  a  gray  or 
white  speck  (star-shaped)  in  the  transparent  part 
of  the  eye.  In  some  cases  they  develop  very  rap- 
idly and  in  others  the  progress  is  slow.    As  they 


298  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

interfere  with  thesight,the  auimal  becomes  shyer; 
the  derangement  goes  on  until  the  lens  becomes 
opaque  and  the  sight  is  lost.  Operations  for  cat- 
aract on  animals  are  not  practicable. 

Fungus  Ilaematodes. — This  consists  of  a  tumor 
in  the  cavity  of  the  orbit.  It  appears  at  first  as  a 
dark  red  spot,  becoming  larger  until  it  involves  a 
part  of  the  membrane  of  the  eye  and  the  lining  of 
the  orbit.  The  tumor  is  very  vascular  and  is  easily 
made  to  bleed  and  is  malignant  in  its  nature,  being 
a  medullary  cancer  infiltrated  with  blood,  and  is 
usually  of  a  very  rapid  growth  and  is  most  com- 
monly seen  in  cattle,  although  I  have  seen  it  in  the 
horse. 

Treatment:  I  have  removed  it  successfully  by  in- 
jecting absolute  alcohol  into  it  in  several  places. 
This  is  the  easiest  and  best  way.  It  can  be  re- 
moved with  the  knife  and  the  roots  touched  with 
nitrate  of  silver  every  second  day  for  a  week. 
When  the  bones  of  the  orbit  become  diseased, 
which  can  be  known  by  the  very  foul  smell  issuing 
from  it,  the  animal  should  be  destroyed. 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  299 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

ORGANS  OF  GENERATION  IN  THE  MARE  AND  COW. 

The  organs  of  generation  of  the  mare  and  cow 
are  the  vulva,  vagina,  uterus,  fallopian  tubes,  and 
ovaries.  The  external  part  is  called  the  vulva  or 
"shape."  This  is  the  opening  into  the  canal  called 
the  vagina.  Immediately  inside  of  this  opening 
and  on  its  lower  part  is  a  body  called  the  "clitoris ;" 
it  is  endowed  with  great  sensibility  and  acj;s  as  an 
exciter  of  the*  generative  system.  The  vagina  is  a 
musclu-membranous  canal  leading  from  the  vulva 
to  the  uterus  or  womb.  Its  walls  are  thin,  but  are 
capable  of  great  distension  at  the  time  of  giving 
birth  to  the  young  creature.  On  the  floor  of  the 
vagina  and  about  four  inches  from  the  external 
opening  is  an  orifice  leading  into  the  bladder. 
This  opening  is  guarded  by  a  fold  or  flap  of  mem- 
brane which  can  be  easily  lifted  up  with  the  finger; 
this  opening  is  called  the  meatus  urinarius. 

The  uterus  or  womb  consists  of  a  body,  neck,  and 
two  horns.  These  horns  are  connected  with  the 
fallopian  tubes,  which  lead  to  the  ovaries.  The 
neck  and  mouth  of  the  womb  extend  a  few  inches 
into  the  vagina,  which  can  be  easily  felt  by  passing 
the  hand  through  the  vagina.  It  is  cone-shaped 
and  somewhat  hard  to  the  touch.  There  is  a  small 
indentation  on  its  end  which  can  be  opened  with 


300  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

the  finger;  this  is  often  so  tightly  closed  as  to  pre- 
vent the  animal  from  becoming  pregnant.  The 
body  of  the  womb  is  made  up  of  three  coats:  the 
outside  coat,  or  peritoneal,  which  is  continuous 
with  the  lining  of  the  abdominal  cavity;  the  mus- 
cular coat  is  endowed  with  great  power  of  con- 
traction, and  is  the  principal  agent  in  expelling  the 
foetus.  The  inner  coat  is  mucous  membrane.  In 
the  cow  this  membrane  has  a  number  of  cone- 
shaped  bodies  attached  to  its  inner  surface,  some 
sixty  in  number,  called  cotyledons.  In  the  mare 
this  membrane  is  smooth;  the  placenta  or  after- 
birth is  attached  to  this  membrane  and  is 
usually  expelled  at  the  time  of  the  birth  of  the 
young  creature. 

The  fallopian  tubes  are  two  canals  which  lead 
from  the  horns  of  the  womb  to  the  ovaries.  They 
are  two  pear-shaped  bodies  situated  in  the  lumbar 
region  between  the  kidneys.  When  the  spermatic 
fluid  of  the  male  reaches  the  uterus  it  finds  its  way 
to  the  fallopian  tubes,  through  which  it  passes  to 
the  ovaries,  where  it  meets  the  ova  in  the  fallopian 
tubes  and  impregnation  takes  place.  The  fertil- 
ized ovum  passes  down  through  the  fallopian 
tubes  into  the  uterus,  where  changes  occur  which 
form  into  a  living  creature.  It  will  be  readily  un- 
derstood from  this  description  that  any  obstruc- 
tion to  these  fallopian  tubes  will  cause  barrenness. 
The  ovum  in  passing  the  fallopian  tubes  receives 
materials  from  the  walls  of  the  tubes  to  form  the 
covering  called  the  chorion,  the  membrane  which 
attaches  the  foetus  to  the  inner  membrane  of  the 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  301 

womb.  The  inner  membrane  of  the  womb,  by  the 
time  that  the  impregnated  ovum  reaches  it,  be- 
comes thickened  and  velvety  looking,  and  full  of 
small  blood  vessels;  and  although  the  blood  ves- 
sels of  the  one  have  no  direct  communication  with 
the  other,  but  being  very  vascular  and  in  close  con- 
tact, the  blood  of  the  mother,  loaded  with  matters 
necessary  for  the  growth  and  vitality  of  the  young 
creature,  is  constantly  going  on  between  them.  In 
the  cow  the  points  of  connection  between  the 
mother  and  foetus  are  the  cotyledons,  already  men- 
tioned on  the  inner  lining  of  the  womb,  and  a  num- 
ber corresponding  on  the  outside  of  the  chorion  of 
the  foetus.  The  placenta  or  afterbirth  is  com- 
posed of  three  membranes.  First:  The  chorion, 
the  one  already  described.  Second:  The  amnion, 
called  the  water  bag.  Third:  The  allantoid.  The 
amnion  contains  a  fluid  in  which  the  young  crea- 
ture floats,  and  the  escape  of  this  fluid  is  one  of  the 
earliest  signs  of  parturition.  The  allantoid  mem- 
brane is  situated  between  the  chorion  and  amnion 
and  acts  as  a  receptacle  for  the  urine  of  the  foetus, 
being  connected  by  a  tube  called  the  urachus  to 
the  bladder.  This  tube  at  the  time  of  birth  is  rup- 
tured and  shrivels  up  and  the  urine  passes  by  the 
proper  channel.  In  some  cases,  especially  in  the 
foal,  the  urine  passes  both  ways  on  account  of  this 
tube  not  shriveling  up.  The  umbilical  cord  or  na- 
vel string  is  formed  by  this  urachus  and  the  blood 
vessels  which  pass  from  the  chorion  to  the  foetus. 
In  the  act  of  parturition  this  cord  is  usually  rup- 
tured.     These  membranes   connected   are  what 


302  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

form  the  afterbirth  which  usually  comes  away  at 
the  time  of  delivery. 

STERILITY. 

This  happens  more  commonly  in  well-bred  ani- 
mals, especially  in  those  that  are  forced  by  over- 
feeding. There  are  several  causes.  First:  Dis- 
ordered ovaries.  Second :  Obstructions  to  the  fal- 
lopian tubes.  Third:  Morbid  derangement  of  the 
uterus  or  womb.  Fourth:  Hardening  of  the  neck 
of  womb,  closing  the  mouth  of  the  uterus,  etc. 
Each  of  these  derangements  will  be  described  here- 
after. 

SIGNS  OF  PREGNANCY. 

Improvement  in  condition  of  the  animal,  to- 
gether with  no  desire  for  the  male.  As  it  advances 
the  abdomen  becomes  pendulous  and  enlarged,  the 
mare  becomes  slower  in  action  and  cross;  by  and 
by  the  udder  begins  to  enlarge,  also  the  membrane 
of  the  vulva  and  vagina.  About  the  fifth  month 
in  the  cow  the  calf  may  be  felt.  In  the  mare  about 
the  seventh  month.  The  walls  of  the  abdomen  in 
front  of  the  stifle  being  pushed  up  by  the  hand  and 
the  hand  then  removed  the  foetus  will  fall  again, 
and  can  be  easily  felt  as  it  falls  down.  In  some 
cows  and  mares,  even  at  this  period,  it  is  very  diffi- 
cult to  give  a  decided  opinion;  and  to  make  an  ex- 
ploration by  introducing  the  hand  into  the  vagina 
is  not  prudent,  as  the  excitement  may  cause  the 
animal  to  abort.  As  the  period  of  delivery  draws 
near,  it  will  be  easily  seen.  I  will  not  take  up  the 
time  of  the  reader  on  this  subject. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  303 


ABORTION. 

Abortion  is  the  premature  birth  of  the  young 
animal.  It  is  said  to  occur  from  the  nature  of  the 
food  the  animal  has  been  fed  on,  also  the  drinking- 
water.  In  my  practice  I  have  never  seen  any  cases 
from  these  causes.  I  have  traced  all  my  cases  to 
injuries,  fright,  and  disease  of  the  foetus  itself.  It 
is  sometimes  epizootic.  In  this  case  I  think  it  is 
a  disease  affecting  the  foetus  in  an  epizootic  form, 
as  investigations  have  failed  to  detect  anything 
either  in  the  food  or  water.  There  is  no  substance 
that  is  known  by  experiment  that  will  cause  it,  un- 
less given  in  poisonous  doses.  When  an  animal 
aborts,  it  should  be  removed  from  the  others,  also 
the  straw  and  afterbirth,  as  the  smell  or  sight  has 
a  bad  effect,  and  no  doubt  has  a  tendency  to  cause 
others  to  abort.  Be  careful  not  to  take  a  mare  that 
is  in  foal  near  where  an  animal  has  been  killed  or 
near  a  slaughter  house.  I  have  known  a  number 
of  cases  from  this  cause.  A  mare  should  never  be 
forced  up  to  a  steam-engine  or  the  cars  if  afraid  of 
them.  Abortion  may  occur  at  any  period  before 
the  natural  time  of  birth,  but  it  usually  happens 
in  the  first  half  of  the  period  of  gestation,  particu- 
larly in  the  mare.  Usually  when  it  occurs  in  the 
early  stage,  it  seldom  interferes  with  the  health  of 
the  animal,  indeed  it  may  take  place  and  the  owner 
be  ignorant  of  the  fact. 

Treatment :  If  the  animal  is  seen  in  time  and  the 
labor  pains  not  severe,  it  may  be  checked  by  giving 
doses  of  the  following:     Powdered  opium,  two 


304  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

drams  every  two  hours  in  a  bottle  of  oatmeal  gruel 
until  the  animal  is  easy.'  Zundel  recommends 
chloroform  to  be  given  in  doses  of  three  drams  in  a 
little  gruel  or  linseed  oil  every  half  hour  until  three 
doses  have  been  taken.  Either  of  these  medicines 
I  have  found  to  stop  the  pain  and  uneasiness,  and 
prevented  what  might  have  been  a  case  of  abor- 
tion. In  the  majority  of  cases  of  abortion  all  that 
is  necessary  is  to  keep  the  animal  quiet  for  a  few 
days  and  feed  on  soft  food.  If  the  animal  should 
be  restless,  showing  symptoms  of  pain,  give  two 
ounces  of  tincture  of  opium  every  two  hours  in  half 
a  pint  of  water.  If  there  should  be  a  discharge 
from  the  vulva,  inject  a  little  of  the  following: 
Peroxide  of  hydrogen,  one  part ;  water,  two  parts, 
and  give  one  ounce  tincture  chloride  of  iron  at  a 
lose  in  a  quart  of  oatmeal  gruel  twice  a  day  for  a 
week  or  two. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  305 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

SIGNS  OF  PARTURITION. 

The  approaching  signs  of  parturition  in   the 
mare  are  great  distension  of  the  ndder  with  milk, 
restlessness,  and  often  symptoms  of  colic.     The 
mare  should  be  watched,  the  watcher  being  in  a 
position  to  see  the  mare,  but  not  to  be  in  the  stall 
or  box  with  her,  as  the  presence  of  a  person  dis- 
turbs the  animal.    It  is  very  important  that  the 
mare  should  be  looked  after  at  this  period,  as  sev- 
eral things  may  happen  that  could  easily  be  put  to 
rights.    The  mare  might  be  in  a  bad  position,  or, 
as  occasionally  happens,  if  the  membrane  covering 
the  foal  is  not  ruptured,  it  will  become  suffocated, 
and  it  will  die  in  a  few  minutes.    The  mare  some- 
times tears  it  off,  and  if  she  does  not  it  is  the  duty 
of  the  watcher  to  do  so.    I  have  seen  numbers  of 
colts  lost  from  this  cause;  besides,  he  will  be  able 
to  see  if  the  animal  is  making  any  progress.    After 
the  mare  has  made  several  ineffectual  attempts  to 
.expel  the  foal,  no  time  should  be  lost  ascertaining 
the  cause  of  the  delay,  and  assistance  should  be 
given  as  soon  as  possible  after  parturition  has  com- 
menced, as  the  foal  soon  dies,  unlike  the  calf  in  this 
respect.    In  the  mare  there  may  be  some  swelling 
of  the  belly  in  front  of  the  udder,  and  sometimes 
swelling  of  the  hind  legs ;  unless  very  great  it  does 


306  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

not  require  any  treatment,  as  it  will  pass  away  as 
soon  as  the  mare  foals,  but  if  it  is  great  and  some 
time  before  the  animal's  time  of  foaling  it  will  be 
necessary  to  give  her  some  medicine.  Take  nitrate 
of  potassium  two  ounces,  and  divide  into  six  doses, 
and  give  one  twice  daily  in  the  water  the  animal 
drinks,  or  a  small  bran  mash.  This  quantity  may 
be  repeated  if  necessary.  There  is  no  danger  of 
this  medicine  doing  the  mare  any  harm,  and  it  will 
assist  in  removing  the  swelling. 

Signs  of  Parturition  in  the  Cow. — There  is  great 
looseness  of  the  vulva,  and  a  giving  way  of  the 
ligaments  of  the  pelvis,  and  the  udder  is  usually 
distended  with  milk.  When  the  time  for  delivery 
is  near  at  hand  the  animal  becomes  restless  and 
separates  from  the  others,  lies  down,  rises  again 
quickly,  and  shows  signs  of  pain.  This  may  con- 
tinue for  some  time  before  parturition  takes  place. 
When  active  labor  pains  set  in  the  first  symptom 
is  the  appearance  of  the  inner  membrane  of  the 
covering  of  the  foetus,  the  amnion,  called  the 
water  bag.  Soon  the  fore  feet  make  their  appear- 
ance, and  if  everything  is  right,  the  head,  resting 
on  the  knees,  shows  itself.  If  the  foetus  is  not 
too  large  interference  is  unnecessary.  There  is 
often  mischief  done  by  being  too  hasty,  as  in  some 
cases  nature  takes  considerable  time  to  prepare 
the  parts.  Usually  the  mare  is  only  a  few  minutes 
after  the  commencement  of  labor,  but  in  the  cow, 
even  when  the  parts  are  all  right,  it  may  be  an 
hour  or  more  before  it  is  accomplished.  If  the 
animal  has  been  in  labor  for  some  time  and  no 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  307 


PLATE  9.    SHOWING  THE  NATURAL  POSITION  OF  THE 
FOETUS  AT  THE  TIME  OF  BIRTH. 


308  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

progress  having  been  made,  it  will  then  be  neces- 
sary to  make  an  examination  with  the  hand.  Oil 
the  hand  with  any  kind  of  oil  or  lard  and  gather 
the  fingers  together  and  introduce  them  into  the 
vaii inn  with  a  rotary  motion.  On  reaching  the  foe- 
tus you  will  ascertain  the  cause  of  delay.  In  its 
natural  position  a  little  assistance  may  be  neces- 
sary. This  is  best  done  by  pulling  gently  on  the 
feet  every  time  the  animal  strains.  It  may  be 
necessary  to  put  a  small  rope  on  the  lower  jaw  as 
well  as  on  the  feet.  The  only  obstacle  which  can 
occur  is  that  the  foetus  may  be  too  large  for  the 
passage  of  the  mother;  it  will  then  require  con- 
siderable force.  This  can  be  done  without  any 
danger  to  the  mother  by  taking  advantage  of 
every  labor  pain  and  giving  time  for  the  parts  to 
relax.  On  the  other  hand,  if  you  find  the  mouth 
of  the  womb  closed,  or  not  open  large  enough  to 
allow  the  foetus  to  pass,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
dilate  it.  This  can  sometimes  be  accomplished  by 
moving  the  fingers  or  hand  in  it.  If  you  make  no 
progress  in  this  way  you  will  have  to  use  bella- 
donna extract,  taken  in  on  the  fingers  and  smear 
it  over  the  mouth  of  the  womb.  Also  give  the  ani- 
mal from  two  to  three  drams  of  chloroform  in  a 
little  oil,  then  allow  the  animal  a  few  hours'  time, 
when  it  usually  gives  way.  Warm  water  in- 
jected against  the  mouth  of  the  womb  is  useful, 
and  ought  to  be  tried  when  other  remedies  are 
not  at  hand.  If  all  means  fail  an  operation  will 
have  to  be  performed,  which  is  done  by  making 
three  incisions,  one  on  the  upper  and  one  on  each 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  309 

side,  dividing  the  constricted  ring,  which  then 
gives  way,  and  usually  the  animal  does  well,  I  was 
called  to  the  country  to  see  a  cow  that  had  been 
in  labor  for  two  days.  At  8  p.  m.  I  made  an  ex- 
amination, and  found  the  mouth  of  the  womb 
closed  and  hard;  it  would  only  admit  the  one 
finger.  I  applied  belladonna  extract,  and  gave 
three  drams  of  chloroform  in  a  little  linseed  oil. 
I  went  to  rest,  leaving  orders  to  be  called  at  12  p. 
m.  On  examining  I  found  very  little  progress 
had  been  made.  I  injected  hot  water  per  vagina 
against  it  for  one  hour,  applied  more  belladonna, 
and  gave  half  an  ounce  of  chloroform.  Two  hours 
after  I  again  examined  it  and  found  I  could  pass 
my  two  fingers  and  soon  my  hand.  In  a  short  time 
it  completely  gave  way,  and  delivery  was  soon  ac- 
complished. 

If  we  find  on  examining  that  the  foetus  is  in 
such  a  shape  that  it  cannot  be  born,  our  first  step 
is  to  place  the  mother  in  a  position  that  will  throw 
the  contents  of  the  abdomen  forward  and  also  pre- 
vent her  from  straining.  This  is  best  accom- 
plished by  making  a  hole  about  eighteen  inches 
deep,  placing  the  animal's  four  legs  in  it  and  keep- 
ing them  there  by  an  assistant.  The  operator  will 
have  very  little'  difficulty  in  putting  the  foal  or  calf 
in  its  proper  position.  This  particular  has  been 
overlooked  by  writers  on  this  subject.  I  have  been 
called  to  cases  where  a  veterinary  surgeon  had 
worked  for  hours  trying  to  put  the  foetus  in  its 
natural  position,  but  failed.  By  adopting  this  plan 
I  relieved  the  animal  in  a  few  minutes.  Hundreds 


310  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

of  animals  are  lost  yearly  that  could  have  been 
saved  had  this  method  been  known.  In  cases 
where  the  animal  is  unable  to  stand  I  find  the  only 
way  we  can  do  is  to  place  the  animal  on  its  side; 
whichever  one  suits  the  operator  best. 

INSTRUMENTS. 

The  only  instruments  necessary  (unless  for  cases 
of  malformation)  area  crutch  and  three  small  ropes ; 
cotton  rope  is  the  softest  and  best.  The  crutch  can 
be  made  by  any  blacksmith.  This  is  made  with  a 
crutch  three  inches  wide  with  blunt  ends,  and  a 
shaft  two  and  a  half  feet  long,  ending  in  a  ring. 


y 


PLATE  10.  CRUTCH  OR  REPELLER. 

The  crutch  is  only  necessary  when  the  operator 
requires  assistance  in  pushing  the  foetus  forward. 
Hooks  of  all  kinds  are  dangerous,  as  they  are  apt 
to  slip  and  injure  the  womb.  I  have  found  in  my 
practice  in  all  cases  where  I  could  reach  to  put  in 
a  hook  to  be  of  any  service,  I  could  put  on  a  rope 
and  avoid  all  danger.  I  have  known  of  valuable 
animals  so  injured  by  the  hooks  slipping  that  they 
died,  when  it  was  unnecessary  to  use  them.  Id 
cases  of  malformation  it  may  be  a  necessity  to  cut 
the  foetus  and  remove  it  in  pieces;  and  in  cases 
of  this  kind  hooks  are  at  times  useful,  and  we  have4 
to  run  the  risk  of  wounding  the  mother.  They  will 
be  described  in  the  chapter  on  that  subject.  We 
will  now  consider  some  of  the  cases  which  require 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLjj  311 


PLATE  1L 


012  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

assistance  to  put  them  in  proper  position  for  de- 
livery. 

A  very  common  form  (Plate  11)  is  when  the 
fore  feet  are  presented  without  the  head,  which  is 
either  doubled  back  on  the  shoulder  or  between 
the  fore  legs.  In  this  case  place  the  mother  in  the 
position  directed  above,  then  tie  a  small  rope  on 
each  pastern;  this  done  push  the  foetus  back  into 
the  womb,  then  feel  for  the  head  and  bring  it  up 
into  the  passage  with  the  hand;  if  this  cannot  be 
accomplished,  put  a  rope  with  a  noose  under  the 
lower  jaw.  The  assistant  will  pull  on  the  rope, 
while  the  operator  guides  the  head  into  the  pas- 
sage, then  bring  up  the  fore  feet,  by  pulling  on  the 
ropes  attached  to  the  feet;  when  this  is  done  then 
let  the  animal  out  of  the  hole  and  lie  down  if  it 
chooses.  Assist  the  animal  every  time  it  strains 
by  pulling  one  of  the  ropes,  whether  in  the  stand- 
ing position  or  lying  down.  This  is  usually  an  easy 
case.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the  animal  is  not  able 
to  stand,  the  case  is  much  more  difficult.  In  this 
case  turn  the  animal  on  its  side,  whichever  suits 
the  operator  best,  then  rope  the  fore  feet  and  push 
then  back  into  the  womb.  If  this  cannot  be  done 
place  the  crutch  against  the  shoulder  or  chest  of 
the  foetus,  the  assistant  to  push  on  the  crutch; 
when  the  legs  are  pushed  back  feel  for  the  head 
and  rope;  the  lower  jaw  and  bring  the  head  into 
the  passage,  then  bring  up  the  feet  and  deliver  as 
above.  I  was  called,  to  see  a  cow  that  had  been  in 
labor  for  twelve  hours;  she  was  unable  to  stand, 
and  the  parts  were  much  swollen  from  fruitless 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


313 


PLATE  12. 


314  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

attempts  to  assist  her.  On  examining  I  found  it 
impossible  to  straighten  the  head,  which  was 
turned  back  on  the  shoulder.  After  some  difficulty 
I  succeeded  in  getting  a  noose  over  its  nose,  and 
with  the  assistance  of  two  men  pulling  on  the  rope 
we  succeeded  in  bringing  it  into  the  passage  by 
breaking  the  bones  of  the  neck.  It  must  have 
grown  in  this  shape.  The  fore  legs  were  then 
sought  for,  roped,  and  brought  into  the  passage, 
and  delivery  was  accomplished  without  any 
further  difficulty. 

The  next  case  (Plate  12)  is  where  the  head  is 
presented  and  the  fore  legs  are  down  in  the  womb. 
Put  a  rope  on  the  lower  jaw,  the  animal  being  put 
in  the  proper  position,  then  push  the  head  into  the 
womb  and  feel  for  the  front  feet;  tie  a  rope  around 
each  pastern.  When  this  is  done  the  assistants 
pull  on  the  ropes  attached  to  the  feet,  the  operator 
guiding  the  feet  with  his  hand  to  prevent  them 
from  wounding  the  womb.  When  this  is  accom- 
plished bring  up  the  head.  The  animal  is  then  al- 
lowed to  lie  down  if  she  chooses,  and  assist  her  in 
every  effort  she  makes  by  pulling  on  the  ropes  un- 
til delivery  is  completed.  In  cases  where  the  ani- 
mal cannot  stand  and  the  foetus  is  dead,  it  is  best 
to  remove  the  head.  This  is  done  by  cutting 
through  the  skin  in  front  of  the  ears,  then  skin 
back  to  the  third  bone  of  the  neck,  then  cut  off, 
leaving  the  loose  skin  to  tie  a  rope  to.  The  animal 
being  turned  on  her  side,  push  the  part  back  into 
the  womb.  If  this  cannot  be  done  with  the  hand, 
use  the  crutches  before  directed„    When  this  is 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  315 


PLATE  13. 


316  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

accomplished  rope  the  fore  legs  and  bring  them  up, 
then  bring  the  neck  of  the  foetus  also  into  the  pas- 
sage, and  deliver  as  above.  In  cases  where  the 
head  is  in  the  passage,  but  not  born,  it  is  best  to  put 
a  rope  on  the  lower  jaw  and  push  it  back  into  the 
womb,  feel  for  the  fore  feet  and  rope  them,  and 
bring  all  into  the  passage.  Considerable  force  can 
be  used  when  the  parts  are  brought  into  position. 
In  no  case  try  to  deliver  by  the  head  until  the  feet 
are  brought  into  the  passage,  as  it  will  make  the 
case  more  difficult  and  endanger  the  life  of  the 
mother. 

The  next  form  (Plate  13)  is  one  fore  leg  pre- 
sented, the  other  one  being  down  in  the  womb  and 
the  head  against  the  pelvis.  First  secure  the  leg 
presented,  rope  the  lower  jaw  and  the  other  fore 
leg,  and  bring  all  up  into  the  passage,  then  draw 
steadily,  the  feet  being  a  little  in  advance  of  the 
head.  The  only  difficulty  in  this  case  will  be  the 
position  of  the  mother.  If  she  is  not  able  to  stand 
the  leg  presented  will  have  to  be  roped  and 
pushed  back  into  the  womb,  using  the  crutch  if 
necessary.  This  has  to  be  done  when  the  animal  is 
lying  down  in  order  that  the  operator  will  have 
room  to  secure  the  head  and  foot  not  presented. 

The  next  unnatural  position  (Plate  14)  is  where 
the  young  creature  is  lying  on  its  back  with  head 
presented.  This  is  said  to  be  a  difficult  case,  but 
when  the  mother  is  put  into  the  position  already 
described  it  is  not  a  difficult  one.  The  first  pro- 
ceeding is  to  turn  the  foetus,  rope  the  lower  jaw 
and  both  the  fore  legs,  pass  one  of  the  ropes  over 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


PLATE  14. 


318  DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

the  opposite  fore  limb,  let  the  operator  pass  his 
hand  firmly  gainst  the  withers,  and  the  assistants 
pull  on  the  rope  on  the  other  side  of  the  limb.  Usu- 
ally the  foetus  will  turn  easily,  then  bring  head 
and  feet  into  the  passage  and  deliver  as  above  de- 
scribed. If  all  our  efforts  should  fail  to  turn  the 
foetus,  bring  the  head  and  fore  legs  into  the  pas- 
sage. I  find  cases  of  this  kind  facilitated  by  using 
lard  or  oil  to  the  parts  as  well  as  to  the  foetus.  By 
pulling  well  up  and  using  considerable  force  I  have 
succeeded  in  delivering  in  this  position  without  in- 
juring the  mother.  There  is  less  danger  to  the  life 
of  the  mother  by  using  well-directed  force  than  by 
having  recourse  to  the  cutting  away  of  the  foetus. 
Plate  15. — Another  very  common  presentation 
is  where  the  back  and  tail  only  can  be  felt.  This  is 
considered  a  very  difficult  case  to  deliver,  especial- 
ly in  the  mare.  I  do  not  find  much  trouble  in  this, 
as  the  head  of  the  foetus  is  usually  in  the 
fore  part  of  the  womb.  By  putting  the  animal  into 
the  proper  position  and  pushing  the  foetus  for- 
ward, it  turns  to  a  certain  extent,  which  brings 
the  hind  legs  up  toward  the  passage.  Feel  for  the 
hind  feet,  and  if  you  cannot  reach  them  put  a  rope 
around  the  hock,  let  the  assistant  pull  on  the  rope 
while  the  operator  pushes  back  the  breach  or  hips 
of  the  foetus.  When  this  is  accomplished  remove 
rope  to  the  fetlock.  While  the  assistant  is  pulling 
on  the  rope  the  operator  will  take  the  foot  of  the 
foetus  in  his  hand  to  prevent  it  from  injuring  the 
womb;  when  the  two  hind  feet  are  brought  into 
the  passage  feel  for  the  tail;  the  operator  will  pull 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


319 


PLATE  15. 


320  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

on  the  tail  of  the  young  creature;  also  place  the 
hand  under  the  breach  and  guide  it  into  the  pas- 
sage. When  this  is  done  delivery  will  be  easy. 
If  the  animal  is  not  able  to  stand  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  use  the  crutch  and  an  assistant  to  push  it 
back  as  far  as  possible.  The  crutch  will  have  to  be 
kept  against  the  hip  of  the  foetus  while  the  oper- 
ator is  searching  for  the  legs  to  prevent  it  from 
being  forced  against  the  outlet  by  the  violent 
straining  of  the  mother.  When  the  legs  are  found 
put  the  ropes  around  the  hock,  drawing  them  up, 
while  the  assistant  is  pushing  on  the  crutch;  next 
secure  the  feet  in  the  same  manner  as  above.  This 
form  usually  takes  time,  as  the  operator  has  to  rest 
his  arm,  as  it  soon  becomes  useless  from  the  pres- 
sure on  it,  caused  by  the  violent  straining  of  the 
mother.  I  have  had  a  number  of  cases  of  this  kind 
in  the  cow.  By  persevering  I  have  always  been 
successful  in  delivering  the  animal  without  having 
to  cut  away  the  foetus. 

Plate  16. — In  cases  where  the  hind  feet  are  pre- 
sented and  not  born,  great  care  is  required  in  get- 
ting them  through  the  passage,  especially  in  the 
mare.  If  the  foal  should  be  turned  on  its  back  the 
feet  will  be  against  the  roof  of  the  vagina,  which  is 
apt  to  be  torn  by  the  feet.  Rope  the  fetlocks  and 
push  back  into  the  womb,  then  try  and  turn  it.  ft 
this  cannot  be  done  the  assistant  will  pull  on  the 
ropes  while  the  operator  will  guide  the  feet 
through  the  passage.  Search  for  the  tail  and  bring 
it  up  and  assist  the  hips  to  enter  the  passage;  that 
done  delivery  will  be  easy. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE, 


321 


PLATE  16. 


322  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

In  cases  where  the  head  and  fore  feet  arc 
presented  as  in  the  natural  position,  but  the  ani- 
mal makes  no  progress.  Make  an  examination  and 
find  the  cause,  as  in  this  plate  I  have  found  the 
hind  feet  as  far  back  as  the  head,  the  hocks  against 
the  brim  of  the  pelvis,  and  the  body  of  the  foetus 
bent,  blocking  up  on  the  outlet,  and  the  more  force 
used  the  firmer  it  would  become  wedged,  so  no 
force  should  be  used  until  the  foetus  is  put  in  prop- 
er shape.  In  this  position  rope  the  lower  jaw  and 
the  two  front  feet  and  push  the  foetus  into  the 
womb,  sufficiently  so  that  you  can  get  the  hind  feet 
and  push  them  well  into  the  womb,  then  bring  the 
head  and  fore  feet  into  the  passage.  Usually  there 
will  be  no  further  trouble. 

In  cases  where  all  fore  feet  are  presented. 
First  ascertain  which  are  the  fore  legs.  This 
can  be  easily  done  by  slipping  the  hand  up 
to  the  knee.  The  difference  between  the  hock  of 
the  hind  leg  and  the  knee  of  the  fore  one  is  such 
that  there  is  no  danger  of  making  a  mistake.  Feel 
for  the  head  and  when  found  rope  the  lower  jaw 
and  the  fore  feet,  and  while  the  assistant  is  pull- 
ing on  the  ropes  the  operator  will  push  the  hind 
legs  into  the  womb  as  far  forward  as  possible. 
Then  delivery  will  be  easy.  But  on  the  other 
hand  if  you  cannot  reach  the  head,  rope  the  hind 
feet,  and,  as  before,  push  the  fore  feet  into  the 
womb  while  the  assistant  is  pulling  on  the  hind 
ones,  and  deliver  as  described  in  breech  presen- 
tation. 

In  cases  where  nothing  but  the  round  back  of 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


32o 


N 


PLATE  17. 


324  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

the  foetus  can  be  felt.  First  find  by  examining 
whether  the  fore  or  hind  parts  are  easiest  reached. 
The  distinguishing  points  are  the  withers  on  the 
fore  part  and  the  high  hunch  bones  on  the  hind. 
Having  determined  the  best  way  to  proceed,  place 
the  crutch  on  the  part  you  wish  to  push  into  the 
womb.  In  pushing  one  part  forward  it  brings  the 
other  part  nearer  passage.  Feel  for  the  head  and 
rope  the  lower  jaw,  then  the  fore  feet.  Having 
done  this  bring  all  up  into  the  passage  and  deliver. 
If  not  successful  in  this  way  put  the  crutch  on  the 
fore  parts  and  push  into  the  womb  and  bring  up 
the  hind  legs.  I  have  succeeded  in  more  than  one 
case  in  this  way. 

Twins. — This  is  a  case  of  twins.  Some- 
times we  will  find  the  two  fore  feet  and  head  of 
one  and  the  two  hind  feet  of  the  other.  This  is  not 
a  difficult  case.  Usually  thev  are  much  smaller 
than  when  there  is  only  one  foetus.  Push  back 
the  hind  feet  into  the  womb;  usually  the  other 
will  be  born  without  assistance.  I  have  met  with 
cases  in  which  the  hind  foot  of  one  foetus  and  the 
two  fore  feet  of  the  other  were  presented.  In  this 
case  push  the  hind  foot  into  the  womb,  rope  the 
two  fore  feet,  push  them  in  also,  feel  for  the  head 
and  rope  the  lower  jaw.  Then  bring  the  head  and 
fore  feet  into  the  passage.  Before  proceeding 
further  examine  and  see  that  the  head  and  fore 
feet  belong  to  the  same  calf,  as  it  could  not  be  de- 
livered, and  I  have  known  of  such  cases.  After 
delivering  the  first  foetus  search  for  the  second 
and  deliver  by  which    end  is  most    convenient. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


PLATE  IS- 


326  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

There  is  very  seldom  any  trouble,  as  they  are  usu- 
ally small.  In  all  cases  after  delivering  an  animal 
search  and  ascertain  whether  there  is  a  second 
foetus  or  not,  as  cases  have  come  under  my  notice 
in  which  a  second  was  born  a  week  after  the  de- 
livery of  the  first,  which  might  endanger  the  life 
of  the  mother  from  blood  poisoning. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  FOETUS  WHICH  IMPEDE  DELIVERY. 

Plate  IT. — Dropsy  of  the  Brain  (Hydroce- 
phalus). I  was  called  to  a  case  of  a  cow 
that  could  not  calve.  On  examining  I  found 
the  head  very  much  enlarged,  so  much  so 
as  to  make  it  impossible  to  be  born.  I 
concluded  it  was  a  case  of  dropsy  of  the  brain. 
I  put  a  rope  around  the  lower  jaw  of  the  young 
creature  and  pulled  it  as  far  into  the  passage  as 
possible.  I  punctured  the  bones  of  the  head,  and 
a  great  quantity  of  fluid  escaped.  The  plan  of 
operation  is  to  put  a  rope  around  the  neck  of  the 
foetus  and  bring  it  as  far  as  possible  into  the  pas- 
sage, the  assistant  to  pull  on  the  rope  to  keep  it 
firm;  then  with  a  sharp  pointed  instrument  placed 
against  the  forehead  of  the  foetus  and  a  sharp  tap 
given  with  a  hammer  it  will  easily  pass  through 
the  soft  bones  of  the  head,  thus  allowing  the  fluid 
to  escape.  I  once  used  a  harrow  tooth,  no  other 
instrument  being  at  hand.  Usually  after  the 
escape  of  the  water  and  a  little  force  used  on  the 
rope  around  the  neck,  the  bones  of  the  head  will 
collapse,  they  being  in  separate  pieces  in  the 
foetus. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  327 

Plate  18. — This  is  a  form  of  dropsy  of  the  abdo- 
men, called  ascites,  which  is  sometimes  met  with ; 
and  on  account  of  the  distended  abdomen  it  would 
be  impossible  for  it  to  pass  through  the  passage. 
Once  I  was  called  to  see  a  mare  that  the  owner  had 
been  trying  to  deliver  for  several  hours  without 
success.  The  head  and  fore  feet  were  born,  but  he 
had  made  no  progress,  although  considerable  force 
had  been  used,  and  it  would  not  budge,  as  the 
farmer  said.  I  pushed  the  foetus  back  into  the 
womb  (that  part  of  it  born),  and  examined  the  body 
and  found  it  very  much  distended  with  fluid. 

Mode  of  operation:  Place  a  small  knife  in  the 
hollow  of  the  hand  and  introduce  it  into  the  womb, 
press  the  blade  of  the  knife  into  the  abdomen  of 
the  foetus  and  the  water  will  escape,  the  belly  will 
collapse,  and  delivery  will  be  accomplished  easily. 

Embryotomy,  or  the  Cutting  Away  of  the  Foetus. 
— This  is  no  easy  operation,  but  ought  to  be  tried 
when  all  other  means  fail.  The  difficulty  in  this 
operation  is  the  hand  of  the  operator  soon  becomes 
useless  on  account  of  the  violent  straining  of  the 
mother  pressing  the  foetus  into  the  passage.  The 
hand  is  squeezed  between  it  and  the  bones  of  the 
pelvis  and  it  soon  has  the  feeling  as  if  it  were  para- 
lyzed and  has  no  power  to  operate.  Having  de- 
cided to  operate,  our  first  object  will  be  (if  a  fore 
limb)  to  remove  it.  This  is  best  done  by  conceal- 
ing a  small  knife  in  the  palm  of  the  hand  (a  knife 
with  a  ring  for  the  finger  is  the  best) ;  make  a  deep 
incision  from  the  fetlock  to  the  shoulder  of  the  foe- 
tus.  The  skin  should  then  be  separated  from  the 


328  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

leg  by  running  the  fingers  between  the  skin  and 
the  muscle;  when  this  is  done  by  using  consider- 
able force  the  whole  of  the  leg  can  be  pulled  away. 
The  other  leg  must  now  be  served  in  the  same 
manner.  Then  attach  ropes  to  the  loose  skin.  The 
next  step  will  be  to  secure  the  head;  this  will  be 
easy  on  account  of  the  legs  being  removed.  Put 
a  rope  around  the  lower  jaw  and  bring  it  into  the 
passage,  then  by  using  force  on  all  the  ropes  the 
foetus  will  usually  be  easily  gotten  away.  In 
cases  where  we  fail  in  our  efforts  to  bring  the  head 
into  the  passage  on  account  of  some  deformity,  wo 
must  try  and  remove  the  head.  This  is  best  done 
at  the  first  or  second  bones  of  the  neck,  which, 
with  a  strong  knife,  may  sometimes  be  effected, 
and  with  the  aid  of  the  fingers  and  knife  the  head 
may  be  altogether  detached.  No  further  opposi- 
tion will  be  experienced  in  effecting  a  delivery.  It 
may  be  necessary  in  some  cases  of  breech  presen- 
tations to  remove  the  hind  legs.  This  is  best  done 
by  introducing  the  knife  with  the  ring,  or  a  very 
short  knife,  concealed  in  the  palm  of  the  hand, 
making  an  incision  through  the  skin  and  muscles 
over  the  hip  joint  to  the  bone.  Then  fix  a  rope 
around  the  thigh,  and  by  strong  traction  the 
bone  of  the  leg  may  be  torn  out  of  its  socket. 
I  have  succeeded  in  this  way  in  a  few  cases. 
Before  attempting  delivery  make  an  incision 
through  the  walls  of  the  abdomen,  remove 
the  bowels  with  the  hand,  and  put  a  rope 
around  the  loins;  when  this  is  accomplished  you 
will  have  no  further  trouble  in  delivery.    There  are 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  329 

other  forms  of  unnatural  presentations,  but 
enough  has  been  said  to  enable  the  operator  to  use 
his  own  judgment  on  any  variation  that  might 
present  itself  from  those  already  described.  One 
of  the  difficulties  we  have  to  encounter  is  the  size 
of  the  foetus  in  comparison  with  the  passage  of1 
the  mother. 

I  may  say  from  practical  experience  that  a  great 
deal  of  steady  force  can  be  used,  occasionally  stop- 
ping to  allow  the  parts  time  to  relax  and  rest  the 
mother.  If  the  parts  have  become  dry  the  injec- 
tion of  oil  will  be  of  great  service. 


330  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER    XXVI. 

ACCIDENTS  AND  DISEASES  FOLLOWING  PARTURITION. 

Retention  of  the  Placenta,  or  Afterbirth. — This 
seldom  occurs  in  the  mare,  but  is  common  in  the 
cow.  In  the  cow  the  afterbirth  is  usually  re- 
tained for  some  time  after  the  calf  is  expelled ;  but 
in  the  mare  at  the  time  of  expulsion  of  the  foal.  If 
it  is  not  thrown  off  soon  after  the  birth  of  the 
foal,  it  acts  as  a  foreign  body  and  causes  consid- 
erable disturbance  to  the  health  of  the  mare.  It 
is  best  to  remove  it  within  a  few  hours  after 
birth.  On  the  other  hand,  in  the  cow,  it  is  best 
not  to  remove  it  until  after  the  third  day,  as 
it  does  not  seem  to  do  the  cow  any  harm  until 
decomposition  takes  place.  The  decomposing 
membrane  is  liable  to  become  absorbed  into  the 
system,  and  if  the  animal  does  not  die  it  usually 
does  not  thrive  well.  The  reason  for  not  removing 
earlier  in  the  cow  is  that  the  placenta  adheres  to 
the  cotyledons  on  the  inside  membrane  of  the 
womb  (already  described),  which  are  very  vascular 
and  easily  made  to  bleed,  and  forcing  them  away  too 
soon  might  cause  troublesome  bleeding.  There 
are  no  cotyledons  on  the  womb  of  the  mare,  hence 
little  danger  of  bleeding  by  their  early  removal. 
All  the  so-called  cleansing  medicines  usually  do 
harm.  In  my  practice  I  find  that  medicines  have 
no  action  or  power  to  expel  the  afterbirth.     The 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  331 

hand  is  the  only  safe  and  proper  method  for  its 
removal.  The  operation  is  simple.  See  that  the 
finger  nails  are  short  so  that  they  will  not  wound 
the  soft  parts,  then  oil  the  hand  and  introduce  it 
into  the  womb ;  carefully  separate  the  afterbirths 
from  its  connections  with  the  cotyledons;  then 
wash  out  the  womb  with  warm  water,  in  which 
a  little  carbolic  acid  has  been  well  mixed.  Half  an 
ounce  of  the  acid  to  a  pail  of  water.  In  order  to 
have  the  acid  thoroughly  mixed  put  the  acid  in  a 
bottle  of  water  and  shake  up  well,  then  put  it  into 
the  pail.  A  good  large  syringe  is  the  best  means 
to  inject  the  water  into  the  womb.  In  the  absence 
of  a  syringe  a  sponge  or  piece  of  soft  muslin  will 
answer.  After  a  few  days  if  there  is  a  discharge 
of  a  foul-smelling  matter  from  the  vagina  it  will 
be  necessary  to  wash  out  the  womb  again  with 
warm  water  and  carbolic  acid  as  before.  Also  give 
the  cow  a  dose  of  physic.  The  best  is  Epsom  salts 
one  to  one  and  a  half  pounds  dissolved  in  a  half 
gallon  of  cold  water;  also  put  a  couple  of  tea- 
spoonfuls  of  ground  ginger  in  it.  After  the  physic 
has  operated  then  give  the  following  in  food  twice 
daily:  Sulphate  of  iron  two  ounces,  pulverized 
gentian  two  ounces,  mix  and  divide  into  twelve 
doses,  one  to  be  given  morning  and  night  in  bran 
mash  until  all  are  taken.  This  quantity  can  be 
repeated  if  necessary.  If  the  animal  should  get 
into  a  weakened  condition  from  the  effects  of  de- 
leterious materials  absorbed  from  the  womb  dur- 
ing the  decomposition  of  the  afterbirth,  which 
sometimes  takes  place,  the  symptoms  are:     Com- 


332  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

plete  loss  of  appetite,  pulse  quick  and  weak,  and 
almost  imperceptible  at  the  jaw,  breathing  fast, 
and  usually  followed  by  diarrhoea,  and  as  before 
mentioned  a  very  foul-smelling  discharge  from 
the  vagina.  At  this  stage  of  the  disease  unless 
proper  means  be  taken  the  animal  soon  dies.  The 
treatment  must  be  of  a  stimulating  and  tonic  na- 
ture. I  find  the  following  prescription  very  valu- 
able: Sweet  spirits  of  nitre  two  ounces,  tincture 
of  gentian  two  ounces,  tincture  of  ginger  two 
ounces,  tincture  chloride  of  iron  one  ounce,  mix 
and  give  at  one  dose  in  a  quart  of  oatmeal  gruel. 
A  dose  of  this  kind  should  be  given  three  times 
daily  until  reaction  takes  place. 

Inversion  of  the  Urino-Genital  Organs. — This 
is  a  derangement  more  common  in  the  cow  than  in 
the  mare,  and  is  usually  attended  with  danger  to 
the  life  of  the  animal,  and  prompt  measures  must 
be  taken  to  restore  the  parts  to  their  natural  posi- 
tion. Inversion  of  the  bladder  is  not  common,  but 
from  violent  straining  it  may  occur,  especially  in 
the  cow  and  mare,  and  is  often  fatal.  If  complete- 
ly inverted  and  has  been  in  that  state  for  some 
time,  the  walls  become  swollen  and  render  its  re- 
turn almost  impossible.  The  symptoms  are  a  large 
tumor  between  the  lips  of  the  vulva,  or  shape, 
and  a  constant  dripping  of  urine  from  the  ureters 
(the  canals  which  convey  the  urine  from  the  kid- 
neys to  the  bladder);  the  animal  will  make  at- 
tempts to  pass  urine,  but  will  fail  to  do  so. 

Treatment:  Give  the  animal  a  dose  of  opium, 
from  one  to  two  drams,  either  in  a  ball  or  in  gruel. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  333 

Bathe  the  part  well  for  half  an  hour  with  warm  wa- 
ter, in  which  put  two  ounces  of  tincture  of  opium. 
After  this  is  done  put  the  animal  in  a  standing  po- 
sition, the  fore  parts  lowered,  then  by  gentle  pres- 
sure on  the  center  part  of  the  bladder  it  will  usu- 
ally return  to  its  proper  place.  If  all  our  efforts 
fail  to  return  it  excision  may  be  tried.  This  is  best 
accomplished  by  tying  a  small  cord  tight  external 
to  the  ureters,  or  canals,  so  as  not  to  stop  the 
urine.  This  done,  take  a  sharp  knife  and  remove 
all  external  to  the  cord  or  ligature.  In  a  few  days 
the  portion  with  the  ligature  will  slough  off  and 
the  parts  will  heal  without  any  further  treatment. 
There  will  always  be  an  incontinence  of  urine, 
but  this  is  not  of  much  importance  in  the  cow  or 
sow,  as  they  can  be  fattened.  In  cases  where  the 
bladder  has  been  returned  the  animal  will  require 
to  be  watched  for  a  few  days  until  the  irritation 
has  passed  off.  The  animal  must  be  kept  with  its 
hind  parts  elevated  a  little,  and  be  given  a  dram 
dose  of  opium  three  times  daily,  if  necessary,  to 
allay  the  irritation. 

Inversion  of  the  Vagina. — This  occurs  before 
parturition  and  is  caused  by  debility,  usually  the 
result  of  being  poorly  kept  or  from  standing  on  a 
slanting  floor. 

Treatment:  Put  the  animal  in  a  position  where 
her  hind  parts  will  be  elevated  slightly.  Bathe 
the  part  well  for  half  an  hour  with  warm  water 
and  clean  it  well,  then  return  by  pressure  with  the 
hand.  Give  the  animal  good  food  and  a  dram  dose 
of  opium  three  times  daily  until  straining  ceases. 


334  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

I  find  it  necessary  sometimes  to  put  on  a  truss, 
which  will  be  described  in  Inversion  of  the 
Uterus.  After  the  birth  of  the  young  creature 
there  will  be  no  further  trouble. 

Inversion  of  the  Uterus. — This  very  trouble- 
some affection  known  as  falling  down  of  the  womb 
is  common  to  cows;  but  may  happen  in  the  mar*. 
The  immediate  cause  of  inversion  is  relaxation  of 
the  ligaments  of  that  organ,  wThose  duty  it  is  to 
retain  it  in  its  position.  It  is  further  aggravated 
by  the  congested  and  enlarged  state.  This  is 
brought  about  by  debility  of  the  animal  and  rough 
handling  at  the  time  of  parturition;  also,  the  ani- 
mal having  to  stand  or  lie  on  a  slanting  floor;  and 
to  make  matters  still  worse  it  is  usually  too  short 
for  the  animal's  body.  Cows  in  calf  should  never 
be  put  into  a  stall  of  this  kind.  A  little  attention 
to  the  animal's  comfort,  good  food  and  exercise, 
and  this  troublesome  affection  would  be  of  rare 
occurrence.  The  great  difficulty  in  returning  this 
organ  is  quite  apparent  when  wre  consider  its  vast 
bulk  in  comparison  with  the  passage  of  the  va- 
gina, and  also  the  violent  expulsion  of  the  mother. 
This  latter  can  be  counteracted  by  placing  the  ani- 
mal with  its  fore  feet  in  a  hole  as  before  described. 
Our  first  object  will  be  to  have  it  well  washed  and 
all  straw  and  dung  removed.  If  the  afterbirth, 
or  part  of  it,  is  still  adhering  to  it,  carefully 
detach  all,  and  if  there  should  be  much  bleeding, 
bathe  well  with  cold  water.  Put  half  an  ounce  of 
sugar  of  lead  to  the  pail  of  water;  this  will  soon 
stop  the  hemorrhage.     The  womb  being  thorough- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  335 

ly  cleaned  and  put  into  a  clean  cloth  and  supported 
by  two  assistants,  one  on  each  side,  and  the  ani- 
mal put  into  the  position  before  mentioned,  the 
operator  will  commence  by  putting  a  hand  on  each 
side  of  the  neck  of  the  womb  and  press  as  much  as 
possible  of  it  in,  then  place  the  fist  against  the 
fundus  or  lower  part,  and  by  steady  pressure  it 
will  usually  return.     The  operator  will  retain  his 
hand  in  it  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  moving  it 
in  the  womb.    This  assists  in  placing  it  in  its  prop- 
er position.  I  have  found  it  necessary  in  some  cases 
to  take  a  small  piece  of  ice  in  my  hand  into  the 
womb,  and  move  it  about  to  assist  in    causing 
the  organ  to  contract.    If  the  animal  is  unable  to 
stand  there  will  be  great  difficulty  in  returning 
it.    In  the  recumbent  position  it  is  not  easy  to  pre- 
vent the  violent  straining  of  the  mother,  which  the 
strength  of  the  operator  would  not  be  sufficient  to 
combat.    I  have  succeeded  in  some  cases  in  lessen- 
ing the  straining  by  giving  opium  in  two-dram 
doses  in  a  little  gruel.    Dobson  says:    "There  are 
cases,  however,  in  which  from  the  great  size  of  the 
uterus,  swelling,  and  violent  expulsive  pains,  it 
will  be  found  difficult  or  absolutely  impossible 
to  return  it.     The  animal  should  here  be  put  on 
her  back  and  her  hind  parts  raised  by  means  of 
pulleys,  when  the  return  will  be  very  much  facili- 
tated."   I  have  succeeded  in  a  few  cases  in  this 
way,  and  it  should  be  tried  when  others  fail.  After 
it  has  been  returned  it  will  be  necessary  to  pre- 
vent th,e  animal  from  expelling  it  again.    Give  the 
animal  two  drams  of  opium  in  a  little  oatmeal 


336 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


gruel  and  put  on  a  truss,  which  ran  be  easily  made 
as  follows:  Take  a  piece  of  leather  about  ten 
inches  long  and  six  inches  wide,  and  make  a  hole 
in  each  corner  (the  leg  of  an  old  boot  will  answer) 
large  enough  to  admit  the  finger;  fix  a  rope  in 
each  hole  long  enough  to  reach  the  neck.  Put  a 
rope  or  strap  around  the  neck,  withers  and  loins. 
Place  the  leather  over  the  vulva,  or  shape;  pass 
two  of  the  ropes  attached  to  the  leather  down  be- 


PLATE  19.  REPRESENTING  THE  TRUSS. 


tween  the  hind  legs,  along  each  side  of  the  udder, 
along  between  the  fore  legs,  and  tie  to  the  strap 
around  the  neck;  also  fix  them  to  the  ropes  around 
the  loins  and  withers,  the  two  upper  ropes  to  be 
passed  along  the  back  and  tied  also  to  the  strap 
on  tjie  back,  and  your  truss  is  complete.  The  ani- 
mal requires  to  be  watched  and  the  ropes  tight- 
ened or  adjusted  if  necessary.    The  truss  should 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  337 

be  worn  for  at  least  ten  days.  In  cases  where  it 
is  impossible  to  return  it,  mortification  will  soon 
set  in,  or  the  animal' may  die  from  collapse.  In, 
this  case  an  operation  is  necessary,  and  is  easily 
performed,  and  some  cases  of  recovery  have  been 
reported.  Tie  a  ligature  tight  around  the  neck 
of  the  womb  and  with  a  sharp  knife  remove  all 
external  to  the  ligature.  In  a  few  days  the  liga- 
ture will  slough  off,  and  no  after  treatment  is  nec- 
essarv. 

DROPSY  OF,  THE  UTERUS. 

This  disease  seldom  occurs  in  the  domestic  ani- 
mal.    A  few  cases  have  been  reported. 

The  symptoms  are  those  of  pregnancy.  The  af- 
fected animal  is  thought  to  be  in  this  condition 
until  the  period  of  gestation  passes  without  any 
signs  of  parturition.  Upon  examining  the  womb 
it  is  found  to  be  greatly  enlarged  and  fluctuating 
when  pressed  upon. 

The  treatment  consists  in  opening  the  mouth  of 
the  womb  with  the  fingers  and  the  fluid  will  es- 
cape. In  some  cases  a  trocar  will  be  required  to 
pass  in  and  draw  off  the  fluid.  As  there  is  a  tend- 
ency for  the  fluid  to  accumulate  again,  a  cure  is 
impossible;  and  if  the  patient  be  a  cow  it  should 
be  fattened  for  the  butchers. 

MAMMARY  GLANDS,  OR  UDDER. 

This  is  divided  into  four  compartments  in  the 
cow  and  two  in  the  mare.  It  is  made  up  of  a  num- 
ber of  glands  well  supplied  with  blood  vessels; 
these  glands  secrete  the  milk  from  the  blood. 


338  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

During  pregnancy  there  is  an  increased  quantity 
sent  to  the  udder.  As  the  animal  nears  the  period 
of  parturition,  the  udder  being  distended  with 
milk,  the  great  supply  of  blood  to  it  makes 
this  organ  very  sensitive  and  easily  inflamed;  this 
is  more  especially  the  case  in  the  young  cow  with 
her  first  calf. 

Mammitis,  or  Inflammation  of  the  Udder. — This 
disease  is  known  as  "garget,"  and  consists  of  in- 
flammation of  a  part  or  the  whole  of  the  organ. 
It  is  a  common  disease  in  the  cow,  but  rare  in  the 
mare.  By  care  and  good  management  this  dis 
ease  can  nearly  always  be  prevented.  When  the 
udder  becomes  greatly  distended  with  milk  (which 
it  often  does  before  parturition)  it  should  be  re- 
lieved by  drawing  off  some  milk,  and  if  hot  and 
tender  should  be  bathed  with  warm  water  for  half 
an  hour  at  a  time  at  least.  This  will  be  a  great  re- 
lief to  the  animal,  as  well  as  preventing  the  udder 
from  becoming  inflamed.  There  is  a  prevailing 
idea  among  farmers  that  milking  a  cow  before 
calving  is  an  injury  and  prevents  or  prolongs  the 
period  of  calving.  This  is  a  mistake,  as  there  is 
nothing  we  can  do  that  will  interfere  with  nature 
in  this  respect.  I  have  had  cases  tested,  and  found 
no  difference  in  those  that  were  milked  a  few  days 
previous  to  parturition  and  those  that  were  not; 
it  should  be  done  in  all  cases  where  the  udder  is 
much  distended,  thereby  relieving  the  suffering 
animal  and  saving  the  owner  from  loss. 

Causes  of  garget,  or  inflammation  of  the  udder, 
are  injuries,  as  blows,  kicks,  scratches,  and  being 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  339 

horned  by  other  cows;  also  by  the  udder  being 
over-distended  with  milk,  either  before  or  after 
calving.  When  this  organ  is  inflamed  the  inflam- 
mation causes  the  milk  in  it  to  coagulate,  separat- 
ing into  curds  and  whey.  When  the  teats  are 
drawn,  shreds  of  coagulated  milk  come  away 
mixed  with  whey.  This  curdled  milk  sometimes 
stops  up  the  orifice  of  the  teat  and  allows  nothing 
to  pass  through  it.  This  is  a  bad  complication, 
often  destroying  part  or  the  whole  of  the  udder. 
It  may  arise  from  the  animal  being  in  too  ple- 
thoric a  state,  and  being  fed  on  sloppy  food.  It  may 
occur  without  any  apparent  cause.  It  is  said  hot 
weather  has  a  tendency  to  produce  it. 

Symptoms  of  mammitis  are  increased  heat,  red- 
ness, swelling  and  pain.  As  the  swelling  in- 
creases it  becomes  hard  and  very  tender  to  the 
touch.  The  animal  will  show  much  distress  if 
made  to  move,  and  lameness  in  one  or  both  hind 
legs.  When  very  much  distended  the  animal  will 
be  stiff  and  not  inclined  to  move  unless  forced  to 
do  so.  In  bad  cases  the  animal  will  show  consti- 
tutional symptoms  characterized  by  loss  of  appe- 
tite, dry  nose,  quick  pulse,  seventy  to  eighty  per 
minute,  labored  breathing.  Instead  of  milk  com- 
ing when  the  teats  are  drawn,  a  thin  whey  mixed 
with  curd.  Later  on  the  discharge  becomes  fetid 
and  thick.  If  the  disease  is  not  checked  there  is 
a  tendency  for  matter  to  form;  when  this  takes 
place  the  part  will  become  white  in  color,  and 
pointing;  this  will  break  usually  of  its  own  ac- 
cord, leaving  a  deep,  ragged  ulcer.     Sometimes 


340  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

gangrene  or  mortification  will  take  place,  which 
is  easily  seen  by  the  dark  appearance  of  the  part 
affected.  If  this  is  not  removed  it  will  soon  de- 
stroy the  animal. 

Treatment  of  mammitis  consists  in  relieving  the 
inflammation;  this  is  best  accomplished  by  giv- 
ing the  animal  a  dose  of  physic,  one  and  one-half 
pounds  of  Epsom  salts,  pulverized  ginger  one 
ounce,  dissolved  in  half  a  gallon  of  cold  water,  and 
give  all  at  one  dose  to  the  cow.  For  the  mare  a 
quart  of  raw  linseed  oil.  After  the  medicine  has 
operated,  give  to  both  mare  and  cow  half  an  ounce 
of  nitre  of  potass,  twice  daily  in  the  water  the  ani- 
mal drinks.  Continue  this  for  three  or  four  days 
if  necessary.  Prom  the  first,  bathe  the  udder  well 
for  one  hour  three  times  daily  with  hot  water; 
after  each  bathing  rub  in  well  a  little  of  the  fol- 
lowing lotion:  Acetate  of  lead,  half  an  ounce; 
sulphate  of  zinc,  half  an  ounce;  soft  water,  one 
quart.  Shake  up  well  before  using;  continue  this 
until  the  inflammation  is  all  gone.  This  plan  of 
treatment  I  have  found  to  be  very  successful.  In 
cases  where  the  udder  is  very  much  distended  I 
find  benefit  from  putting  a  wide  piece  of  cloth 
around  the  loins  to  support  the  udder,  with  four 
holes  for  the  teats.  The  milk  should  be  draAvn 
from  the  bag  frequently;  or  better  still,  allow  the 
calf  or  colt  to  suck;  as  a  rule  it  can  do  better  than 
one  can  do  with  the  hand.  I  have  never  known 
the  young  animal  to  be  injured  by  sucking  the 
mother  while  in  this  state.  Notice  should  be 
taken  that  the  young  creature  cleans  out  all  the 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  341 

teats.  I  have  seen  cases  where  one  of  the  teats 
had  been  left  untouched.  If  the  matter  should 
form  in  spite  of  all  our  efforts,  warm  poultices  of 
linseed  meal  should  be  applied,  and  when  the  ab- 
scess is  ready  it  should  be  opened  with  a  sharp 
knife,  and  when  the  matter  is  all  discharged  the 
wound  should  be  dressed  with  a  little  of  the  fol- 
lowing lotion:  Linseed  oil,  five  ounces;  carbolic 
acid,  two  drams;  camphor  gum,  two  drams;  mix 
and  shake  up  each  time  it  is  used.  Twice  a  day 
will  be  often  enough  to  dress  it.  If  well  attended 
to,  it  usually  heals  without  doing  much  damage 
to  the  udder.  In  cases  where  mortification  sets 
in,  it  is  easily  distinguished  by  its  dark  color;  is  in- 
sensible and  cold  to  the  touch.  When  cut  into, 
instead  of  bleeding  a  little,  a  dark-colored  fluid 
will  exude  from  the  cut. 

The  treatment  requires  to  be  of  a  stimulating 
and  tonic  nature.  The  following  I  find  to  be  a 
good  one:  Sweet  spirits  of  nitric  ether,  two 
ounces;  tincture  of  ginger,  two  ounces;  tincture 
of  gentian,  two  ounces;  mix  and  give  at  one  dose 
in  a  quart  of  gruel.  Give  a  dose  of  this  size  three 
times  daily  until  the  animal  is  well.  In  order  to 
save  the  life  of  the  animal  all  the  mortified  part 
will  have  to  be  removed  by  the  knife.  I  have  op- 
erated on  several  cases  with  success.  As  an  illus- 
tration, I  will  describe  one  of  the  cases  operated 
on.  I  was  called  to  see  a  short-horned  cow  which 
had  been  suffering  from  a  severe  attack  of  inflam- 
mation of  the  udder  for  several  days.  I  found 
the  animal  in  a  bad  state,  the  udder  very  much 


342  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

enlarged  and  one-half  mortified.  The  cow  could 
not  rise  without  assistance.  The  pulse  was  imper- 
ceptible at  the  jaw,  breathing  short  and  quick, 
the  appetite  completely  gone.  I  gave  the  cow  a 
good  stimulant  composed  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitric 
ether,  two  ounces;  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia, 
one  ounce,  in  a  pint  of  cold  water.  We  then  as- 
sisted the  animal  to  the  lawn,  where  we  cast  her 
on  her  left  side,  on  account  of  the  right  side  of  the 
udder  being  involved.  I  secured  the  head  and 
fore  feet  to  a  tree  close  by,  the  hind  legs  to  an- 
other, thus  putting  them  on  the  stretch,  leaving 
the  udder  all  exposed  and  plenty  of  room  for  the 
operator.  The  only  instruments  needed  are  a  very 
sharp  knife,  a  pair  of  artery  forceps  and  some 
strong  thread  for  ligature.  I  made  an  incision 
half  an  inch  back  from  the  mortified  part  to  make 
sure  that  all  the  diseased  portion  would  be  re- 
moved by  the  first  sweep  of  the  knife.  I  made  an 
incision  about  two  inches  deep,  then  secured  the 
large  arteries,  secured  the  vessels,  and  so  on  until 
all  was  removed.  To  stop  bleeding  from  small 
vessels,  I  bathed  the  surface  with  cold  water, 
sugar  of  lead  and  carbolic  acid,  as  follows:  Cold 
water,  one  pail;  sugar  of  lead,  one  ounce;  carbolic 
acid,  half  an  ounce.  In  a  few  minutes  hemor- 
rhage ceased.  I  gave  the  animal  another  dose  of 
stimulating  medicine  as  before,  and  then  allowed 
it  to  rise.  She  drank  a  little  cold  water  and  in  an 
hour's  time  was  grazing,  and  recovered  rapid- 
ly. The  after  treatment  consists  in  using  the  fol- 
lowing:    Linseed  oil,  one  pint;  carbolic  acid,  half 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  343 

an  ounce;  camphor  gum,  half  an  ounce;  mix  and 
shake  up  well,  and  apply  a  little  to  the  raw  sur- 
face twice  daily  with  a  feather  until  healed.  This 
affection  in  some  cases  may  become  chronic;  that 
is,  instead  of  forming  matter  it  hardens,  and  no 
milk  will  be  secreted  by  that  portion,  and  the  cow 
is  said  to  "have  lost  part  or  the  whole  of  her  bag." 
In  order  to  prevent  this  the  udder  should  be  treat- 
ed even  in  mild  attacks  of  mammitis,  and  this 
stage  of  the  disease  will  always  be  avoided.  In 
cases  where  it  has  taken  place,  it  usually  can  be 
relieved  by  using  the  following  ointment:  Iodine, 
pure,  two  drams;  lard,  pure,  two  ounces;  mix 
well  and  rub  a  little  of  it  on  the  affected  part 
every  second  day  until  it  becomes  soft.  The  teats 
or  teat  require  to  be  drawn  and  emptied  of  any 
curdled  milk  that  may  be  in  them  or  in  that  part 
of  the  udder. 

Diseases  and  Injuries  to  the  Teats. — First:  Ob- 
structions, such  as  small,  hard  bodies,  supposed 
to  be  small  glands  hardened,  which  find  their  way 
down  into  the  tube  of  the  teat,  thus  partially  or 
wholly  stopping  the  flow  of  milk.  They  are  very 
troublesome  and  not  easily  removed.  The  opera- 
tion in  trying  to  remove  them  would  likely  set  up 
inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  tube 
of  the  teat  and  the  quarter  of  the  udder,  usually 
resulting  in  the  loss  of  part  of  the  bag.  The  only 
safe  remedy  is  to  use  the  milk  tube.  I  have  suc- 
ceeded in  some  cases  in  pushing  this  hard  body  up 
into  the  udder,  where  it  remained.  If  you  do  not 
succeed  in  this,  it  will  be  necessary  to  use  the  tube 


344  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

at  each  milking,  and  bv  the  next  season  they 
usually  disappear. 

Warts  on  Teats. — Warts  are  sometimes  found 
on  the  teats  and  are  somewhat  troublesome,  and 
the  act  of  milking  usually  makes  them  sore,  and  in 
some  cases  they  appear  on  the  end  of  the  teat,  ob- 
structing the  flow  of  milk. 

Treatment:  Put  on  a  silk  ligature  tight  around 
the  neck  of  the  wart;  in  a  few  days  it  will  slough 
off.  After  it  has  sloughed  off  apply  a  little  ter- 
chloride  of  antimony  to  it  once  with  a  feather.  In 
some  cases  the  warts  will  be  flat  with  no  neck. 
These  should  be  scarified  with  a  knife  and  a  little 
antimony  applied,  or  the  part  touched  with  nitrate 
of  silver  every  third  day.  They  will  usually  disap- 
pear. When  removed  in  this  way  they  are  less 
liable  to  return  than  by  the  knife.  After  the 
warts  have  dropped  off  and  the  roots  touched 
with  antimony  the  best  dressing  to  heal  the  parts 
is  the  following:  Tincture  of  catechu  two  ounces, 
carbolic  acid  two  drams,  water  eight  ounces; 
shake  up  well  and  apply  a  little  twice  daily.  Use 
the  milk  tube  to  draw  off  the  milk  until  the  teats 
are  healed. 

Chapped  or  Cracked  Teats. — These  are  also 
troublesome,  as  they  are  painful  to  the  animal  and 
make  them  uneasy  while  being  milked.  The  milk 
tube  should  be  used,  as  milking  with  the  fingers 
keeps  the  cracks  open.  Use  the  same  kind  of  dress- 
ing as  for  the  above.  If  the  calf  is  sucking  its 
mother  and  the  teats  become  chapped  it  will  be 
necessary  to  keep  them  apart  at  intervals  and 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  345 

wash  and  dry  the  teats  (after  the  calf  has  cleaned 
the  udder  out).  Apply  a  little  of  the  above  lotion. 
For  all  injuries  to  the  teats,  if  the  wounds  are  not 
deep,  nothing  is  better  than  the  lotion  recom- 
mended above,  applying  a  little  of  it  twice  daily. 
For  deep  wounds,  especially  those  which  pene- 
trate the  tube  of  the  teat,  allowing  the  milk  to 
exude,  the  edges  must  be  brought  together.  This 
is  best  done  by  passing  a  pin  through  the  lips  of 
the  wound  and  tying  a  piece  of  thread  in  the  form 
of  the  figure  eight,  thus  bringing  the  lips  of  the 
wound  close  together.  Cut  the  point  of  the  pin 
after  the  thread  has  been  tied  to  prevent  it  from 
getting  displaced.  The  milk  tube  must  be  used 
to  draw  off  the  milk  in  case  of  disturbing  the  pin 
until  it  heals.  If  the  pin  should  slough  out  before 
the  parts  have  united  I  have  succeeded  by  paring 
the  edges  of  the  lip  and  pinning  up  the  wound 
as  at  first.  No  dressing  is  required  in  this  opera- 
tion. All  plasters  and  healing  medicines  recom- 
mended by  some  writers  should  be  avoided. 

Bloody  Milk.— At  times  a  cow  will  give  milk 
tinged  with  blood.  There  are  several  causes  for 
this:  A  congested  condition  of  the  glands  of  the 
udder  in  one  or  more  of  its  quarters;  a  spongy 
state  of  the  glands,  from  which  a  little  blood  will 
ooze  on  the  parts  being  pressed ;  also  from  small 
sores  in  the  tubes  of  the  teat  or  teats,  and  when 
the  teat  is  drawn  in  milking  a  little  blood  will 
exude,  coloring  the  milk.  If  it  is  caused  by  con- 
gestion or  by  a  spongy  state  of  the  glands,  bathe 
it  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  with  cold  water  after 


346  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

each  milking,  and  rub  on  a  little  camphorated 
liniment;  continue  this  for  a  few  weeks.  Also 
give  the  cow  a  teaspoonful  of  sulphate  of  iron 
in  a  mash  in  the  morning  and  one  dram  of  iodide 
of  potassium  in  the  evening  in  the  drinking  water 
for  several  weeks.  If  it  is  from  sores  in  the  teat 
tubes  use  ten  grains  of  tannic  acid,  water  one 
ounce;    inject  a  little  of  this  after  each  milking. 

Cow-Pox  (Variola  Vaccine). — This  very  simple 
affection  is  not  often  noticed,  and  so  many  forms  of 
eruption  are  observed  on  the  teats  that  it  is  some- 
what difficult  to  detect  the  true  from  false  varie- 
ties of  cow-pox  at  certain  stages  of  the  eruption. 
This  disease  has  claimed  a  very  large  share  of 
attention  on  the  part  of  scientific  men.  From 
Jenner's  discovery  in  the  dairies  of  Gloucester- 
shire he  observed  that  the  people  milking  cows 
with  the  cow-pox  suffered  from  an  eruption  on 
their  hands,  but  never  had  the  malignant  small- 
pox of  the  human  being.  This  was  the  origin  of 
vaccination.  The  cow-pox,  like  other  forms  of 
variola,  is  a  contagious  pustular  eruption  of  the 
skin,  running  a  very  regular  course,  accompanied 
by  slight  fever.  It  is  communicable  between  ani- 
mals of  different  species. 

Causes:  The  primary  cause  of  cow-pox  is 
unknown.  The  majority  of  cases  occur  in 
spring  and  summer,  shortly  after  cows  have 
calved.  The  state  of  congestion  of  the  ud- 
der at  this  period  favors  the  development 
of  this  disease,  and  it  never  has  been  ob- 
served to  arise  spontaneously  in  bulls,  oxen,  or 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  347 

iieifers  before  calving.  It  is  chiefly  seen  in  cows 
from  four  to  six  years  of  age.  Mr.  Ceely  makes  the 
following  sensible  remarks  on  the  cause  and  ori- 
gin of  this  disease.  Referring  particularly  to  the 
Vale  of  Aylesbury  he  says:  "The  variola  vac- 
cine seems  to  have  been  long  known  in  the  Yale 
and  neighborhood.  They  have  been  noticed  at 
irregular  intervals,  most  commonly  appearing 
about  the  beginning  or  end  of  spring,  rarely  dur- 
ing the  height  of  summer,  but  I  have  seen  them 
at  all  periods  from  August  to  May  and  the  be- 
ginning of  June.  By  some  it  is  presumed  that  cold 
and  moisture  favors  their  development,  by  others 
that  the  hard  winds  of  spring  after  a  wet  winter 
are  supposed  to  have  the  same  influence.  I  have, 
however,  seen  the  disease  in  the  autumn  and  mid- 
dle of  winter  after  a  dry  summer.  The  disease  is 
occasionally  epizootic  or  prevalent  at  the  same 
time  in  several  farms  at  no  great  distance;  more 
commonly  sporadic  or  nearly  solitary.  It  may  be 
seen  sometimes  at  several  contiguous  farms;  at 
other  times  one  or  two  farms  apparently  under 
like  circumstances  of  soil,  situation,  etc.,  amidst 
the  prevailing  disease  entirely  escape  its  visi- 
tations. Many  years  may  elapse  before  it  recurs 
at  a  given  farm  or  vicinity,  although  all  the  ani- 
mals may  have  been  changed  in  the  meantime. 
I  have  known  it  to  occur  twice  in  five  years  in  a 
particular  vicinity  and  at  two  contiguous  farms, 
Avhile  at  a  third  adjoining  dairy,  in  all  respects 
similar  in  local  and  other  circumstances,  it  had 
not  been  known  to  exist  for  forty  years.     It  is 


348  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE 

sometimes  introduced  by  milch  heifers.  It  is  con- 
sidered that  the  disease  is  peculiar  to  the  milch 
cow, that  it  occurs  primarily  while  the  animal  is  in 
that  condition,  and  that  it  is  casually  propagated 
to  others  by  the  hands  of  the  milkers.  But  consid- 
ering the  general  mildness  of  the  disease,  the  fact 
of  its  being  at  times  in  some  individuals  entirely 
overlooked  and  that  its  topical  severity  depends 
almost  wholly  on  the  rude  tractions  of  milking,  it 
would  perhaps  be  going  too  far  to  assert  its  in- 
variable and  exclusive  origin,  under  circumstances 
just  mentioned,  yet  I  have  frequently  witnessed 
the  fact  that  stirks,  dry  heifers,  dry  cows  milked 
by  other  hands,  grazing  in  the  same  pasture,  feed- 
ing in  the  same  sheds,  and  in  contiguous  stalls,  re- 
main exempt  from  the  disease.  Many  intelligent 
dairymen  believe  that  it  occurs  more  frequently 
as  a  primary  disease  among  milch  heifers,  but  I 
have  not  been  able  to  confirm  this  remark  by  my 
own  observation.  It  does  not  appear  to  be  Jess 
frequent  on  hills  than  in  the  vale.  It  has  been 
seen  primarily  on  the  stall-fed  as  well  as  on  the 
grazing  animals. 

Origin  of  the  disease:  I  have  met  with  several 
intelligent  dairymen  whose  relatives  had  some 
good  reason  to  ascribe  its  occurrence  to  the  con- 
tagion of  the  equine  vesicle  communicated  by  the 
hands  of  the  attendants  of  both  animals,  but  very 
little  of  this  disease  has  been  noticed  of  late  years, 
although  I  know  of  several  farriers  who  have 
been  affected  from  the  horse  and  resisted  subse- 
quent variolation  or  vaccination,  and  I  have  seev  * 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  349 

few  distinguished  between  the  equine  and  the 
grease,  a  recurrent  disease  (eczema  impitigonoe- 
des),as  it  appears  to  me  for  many  years  past.  How- 
ever, the  spontaneous  origin  of  the  variola  vaccine 
in  cows  has  not  been  doubted  here.  In  all  the 
cases  that  I  have  noticed  I  never  could  discover  the 
probability  of  any  other  source.  There  is  much 
difficulty  in  determining  with  precision  at  all 
times  whether  the  disease  arises  primarily  in  one 
or  more  individuals  in  the  same  dairy.  Most  com- 
monly, however,  it  appears  to  be  solitary.  The 
milkers  pretend  in  general  to  point  out  the  in- 
fected individual,  but  as  I  have  more  than  once 
detected  the  disease  in  a  late  stage  on  an  animal 
not  suspected  of  having  it,  I  am  not  very  prone  to 
confide  in  these  representations  unless  my  own 
inspection  confirms  or  renders  them  probable. 

Symptoms:  There  are  general  signs  of  mild 
fever,  and  the  characteristic  symptoms  are  purely 
local.  Constitutional  symptoms  have  been  de- 
scribed in  some  cases  as  follows:  Sudden  sinking 
or  loss  of  milk,  dribbling  of  saliva  from  the  mouth 
and  frequent  inflation  and  retraction  of  the  cheeks, 
staring  coat,  arched  back,  limbs  drawn  together, 
and  rapid  loss  of  flesh.  In  about  three  or  four  days 
red,  hard  spots  are  seen,  which  soon  appear  cir- 
cumscribed, the  teats  become  painful  and  slightly 
swollen,  the  spots  attain  the  size  of  a  horse  bean, 
and  milking  becomes  generally  very  painful  to  the 
animal.  They  rapidly  increase  in  size  and  tender- 
ness and  become  charged  with  limpid  fluid  and 
are  surrounded  by  a  red  base.  The  limpid  fluid  be- 


350  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

comes  opaque  and  purulent,  and  the  distinctive 
features  of  the  pustule  is  that  it  has  a  depression 
on  its  summit.  It  is  technically  termed  "umbili- 
cated."  It  is  most  perfect  about  ten  days  after  its 
first  appearance.     (Gamgee.) 

Treatment  of  cow-pox:  On  account  of  the  sore- 
ness of  the  teats  it  is  almost  impossible  to  milk 
with  the  hand  and  the  milk  tube  should  be  used. 
If  there  is  much  fever  a  dose  of  physic  should  be 
given.  One  pound  of  Epsom  salts  and  an  ounce  of 
ground  ginger  dissolved  in  half  a  gallon  of  cold 
water  at  one  dose.  After  the  physic  has  operated 
give  half  an  ounce  of  nitrate  of  potassium  twice 
daily  in  the  drinking  water  for  three  or  four  days. 
If  the  udder  is  swollen  and  hot  bathe  it  with  hot 
water  for  half  an  hour  three  times  daily,  and  after 
each  bathing  use  a  little  of  the  following :  Acetate 
of  lead  one  ounce,  water  one  quart;  mix  and  apply. 
If  there  is  no  fever  and  no  swelling  of  the  udder, 
only  the  eruption  on  the  teats,  no  treatment  is  re- 
quired. Use  the  milk  tube  to  draw  off  the  milk, 
care  being  taken  not  to  disturb  the  vesicles.  It 
runs  its  course  in  two  weeks  if  not  irritated. 

Milk  Fever  in  Cows. — This  is  a  disease  peculiar 
to  the  cow.  Gamgee  and  others  who  have  written 
on  this  subject  are  of  the  opinion  that  there  is 
present  in  the  blood  a  specific  element.  Some  at- 
tribute the  disease  to  accumulations  of  milk — pro- 
ducing elements  in  the  blood  giving  rise  to  fever 
and,  practically,  blood  poisoning — ortothesudden 
overloading  of  the  system  with  blood,  causing 
nervous  disorder.     Again,  another  says  that  at 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  351 

the  period  of  parturition,  when  the  act  is  rapidly 
accomplished,  a  large  excess  of  blood  is  thrown 
upon  the  system.  The  effect  is  the  same  as  when 
a  flux  of  some  standing  is  suddenly  checked;  either 
some  of  the  excretory  organs  exert  their  power  of 
vicarious  actions,  or  a  sudden  increase  of  blood 
pressure  takes  place.  This  is  the  view  that  is  usu- 
ally taken,  but  I  think  it  is  a  wrong  one,  as  in 
every  cowT,  at  the  time  of  parturition,  there  is  this 
excess  of  blood  thrown  back  upon  the  system,  but 
nature  has  provided  for  this.  It  is  quite  another 
thing  in  the  case  of  the  flux;  that  was  checked  by 
administering  powerful  astringents,  which  is  act- 
ing contrary  to  nature.  Still  another  thinks  that 
it  is  such  a  derangement  of  the  sympathetic  nerv- 
ous system  as  seldom  to  admit  of  recovery  until 
(finally)  apoplectic  lesions  result.  The  first  part 
of  the  above,  I  think,  is  nearest  to  the  point,  but 
the  latter  part  is  the  stumbling  block  over  which 
nearly  all  fall — that  is  in  believing  the  nervous  de- 
rangement causes  apoplexy.  When  I  commenced 
practice,  some  twenty-five  years  ago,  I  followed 
the  teaching  I  have  just  mentioned,  and  my  milk 
fever  patients  nearly  all  died.  This  state  of  af- 
fairs provoked  me  very  much.  I  made  a  number  of 
post-mortem  examinations  of  the  animals  that  had 
died  of  the  disease,  and  failed  to  find  the  apoplec- 
tic lesion  described.  Of  course  I  found  redness 
and  some  fullness  of  the  blood  vessels,  but  no  more 
than  one  would  find  in  making  a  post-mortem  ex- 
amination of  animals  dying  of  other  diseases  not 
apoplectic.     I  concluded  from  this  that  the  dis- 


352  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

ease  was  not  congestion  of  the  brain  and  spinal 
cord.  I  then  took  up  the  nervous  theory,  and  was 
supported  by  the  following  facts:  First:  The  cows 
which  became  affected  with  this  malady  are  near- 
ly all  very  fat  and  flabby,  while  in  some,  few  cases 
the  animals  are  very  thin  and  weak.  Such  ani- 
mals are  barely  able  to  cope  with  the  violent  strain 
and  nervous  exhaustion  which  take  place  at  this 
period.  Second:  The  season  of  the  year  most 
fruitful  of  this  disease  is  in  the  warm,  enervating 
weather  of  the  spring  and  early  summer,  when 
the  grasses  are  soft  and  succulent,  which  increases 
the  flabby  condition  of  the  already  too  soft  ani- 
mals. Taking  these  facts  into  consideration,  I 
changed  the  treatment  from  bleeding,  sedatives, 
violent  purging,  and  applying  ice  to  the  head,  etc., 
as  directed  by  most  veterinary  writers  (I  do  give 
purgatives  still,  but  merely  to  assist  in  moving  the 
bowels  when  the  animal  gets  over  the  attack),  to 
powerful  stimulants  from  the  earliest  stage  of  the 
disease,  or  whatever  time  I  may  first  see  the  ani- 
mal and  the  disease  has  not  been  too  far  advanced, 
and  now  I  never  lose  a  case  of  the  so-called  very 
fatal  disease. 

Symptoms:  The  symptoms  of  this  disease  are 
characteristic.  In  the  early  stage  (which  is  gen- 
erally a  few  hours  after  calving)  the  animal  will  be 
noticed  shifting  its  weight  from  one  hind  leg  to 
the  other.  This  she  does  continually,  and  if  made 
to  move  will  show  weakness  in  the  hind  quarters, 
and  if  forced  to  walk  will  fall,  but  may  be  able 
to  regain  her  feet  with  difficulty.    In  a  short  time 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  353 

the  animal  falls,  and  is  then  nnable  to  resume  the 
standing  position.  ,  There  is  some  constitutional 
disturbance,  and  after  being  in  this  state  for  some 
time  the  breathing  becomes  accelerated  and  the 
pulse  quickened.     As  the  disease   advances  the 
brain  becomes  affected,  which  is  evinced  by  the 
animal   tossing    her    head   in    a   violent    man- 
ner.   At  other  times  the  animal  presses  its  head 
against  the  shoulder  or  side,  and  if  an  attempt  be 
made  to  draw  the  head  forward  it  will,  as  soon  as 
released,  fall  suddenly  back  into  its  former  posi- 
tion, the  neck  presenting  a  peculiarly  stiff  appear- 
ance not  observed  in  any  other  disease.    The  eyes 
very  soon  become  insensible  to  light,  presenting  a 
glassy  appearance,  and  if  touched  with  the  linger 
or  other  object  every  sign  of  sensation  will  be  ab- 
sent.   In  some  cases  the  power  of  swallowing  is 
lost.  At  this  stage  the  animal,  if  not  promptly  at- 
tended to,  soon  dies.    This  is  generally  the  case 
when  treated  as  directed  by  most  veterinary  writ- 
ers.   By  the  method  of  treatment  which  I  have  fol- 
lowed for  the  last  few  years' I  do  not  lose  a  case 
when  seen  in  time. 

Treatment:  Aromatic  ammonia  ten  ounces, 
spirits  of  nitrous  ether  twenty  ounces.  This  is 
enough  for  ten  doses,  three  ounces  to  be  given 
every  half  hour  till  five  doses  are  given;  then  three 
ounces  every  hour  until  the  remainder  is  adminis- 
tered. Each  dose  to  be  given  in  half  a  pint  of  cold 
water.  This  may  look  like  a  large  quantity  to  be 
given,  but  this  is  what  is  necessary  to  stimulate 
the  nerves  into  action.     I  also  give  from  one  to 


354  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

one  and  one-half  pounds  of  Epsom  salts,  with  one 
ounce  of  ginger,  the  whole  to  be  dissolved  in  half 
a  gallon  of  water  and  given  at  one  dose.  Also  mix 
a  half  pound  of  good  mustard  with  warm  water, 
rub  this  over  the  loins  and  cover  up  with  a  rug. 
This  I  do  to  assist  in  stimulating  the  spinal  cord. 
After  doing  this  the  animal  generally  lies  quiet 
for  about  eight  or  ten  hours,  when  she  will  get  up. 
If  she  does  not,  give  more  of  the  above,  three 
ounces  every  hour  until  four  or  five  more  doses  are 
taken.  Then  wait  for  several  hours,  when  it  is 
likely  the  animal  will  be  able  to  rise.  I  have  had 
to  do  this  in  some  few  cases.  In  this  case  no  after 
treatment  is  required.  In  some  cases  the  animal 
becomes  lively  and  commences  eating,  but  re- 
mains unable  to  get  upon  her  hind  legs.  It  is  then 
necessary  to  give  nux  vomica  in  dram  doses  three 
times  daily  for  a  week  in  gruel. 

Prevention:  The  best  prevention  of  this  disease 
is  to  keep  the  cow  in  a  good,  firm,  healthy  state, 
and  not  to  have  her  too  soft  and  flabby.  This  can 
be  done  by  giving  the  animal  good  solid  food  and 
not  too  much  of  it.  In  the  spring,  when  the 
weather  is  getting  hot  and  the  grass  long  and  suc- 
culent, keep  the  cow  off  such  pasture  and  put  her 
in  a  place  where  she  cannot  get  much  grass,  and 
have  a  stable  for  her  and  feed  dry,  solid  food,  as 
hay,  oats  or  corn.  Soft,  sloppy  diet  is  not  good. 
If  the  animal  is  fat  it  would  be  well  to  give  her 
one  and  one-half  pounds  of  Epsom  salts  about  ten 
days  before  calving.  It  is  not  wise  to  give  it  at  or 
a  few  hours  before  calving,  as  it  weakens  the  ani- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  *5J 

mal.  This  treatment  I  have  advised  for  several 
years,  I  think  with  beneficial  effects,  as  parties 
who  used  to  lose  cows  have,  since  they  adopted 
this  plan,  not  been  troubled  with  milk  fever.  If 
the  udder  is  full  and  hard  I  would  milk  the  cow 
before  calving  in  all  cases,  as  it  prevents  garget 
and  does  the  cow  no  harm  afterward. 


o36  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


CHAPTER    XXVII. 

MANAGEMENT  OP  THE  FOAL  AND  CALF. 

There  are  a  great  many  foals  lost  every  year 
from  want  of  attention  at  the  time  of  the  birth  of 
the  young  creature  and  for  a  few  days  thereafter. 
It  is  necessary  to  detail  a  trusty  man  to  do  this, 
The  mare,  if  in  the  stable,  should  have  a  good, 
roomy  place  separated  from  the  other  horses.  It 
should  have  plenty  of  clean  short  straw,  and  if 
the  weather  is  cold  it  should  be  made  as  warm  as 
possible  and  the  foal  rubbed  dry,  and  in  some  cases 
covered  up  with  warm  blankets  until  it  is, thor- 
oughly dry.  There  are  many  colts  destroyed  from 
want  of  a  little  care  at  this  stage,  as  the  young- 
creature  is  very  likely  to  suffer  from  swollen  joints 
a  week  or  two  hence  from  the  exposure  to  the  cold 
and  in  some  cases  dies  from  inflammatory  rheuma- 
tism. Do  not  be  in  a  hurry  to  separate  the  foal  from 
the  afterbirths,  as  in  some  cases  the  navel  cord  is 
thick  and  strong.  Let  the  foal  flounder  about  for 
a  while,  and  in  the  majority  of  cases  it  will  break 
off  at  the  proper  place,  and  on  account  of  it  being 
twisted  off  there  will  be  very  little  hemorrhage. 
I  have  known  of  a  few  cases  in  which  the  cord  was 
cut  and  a  ligature  put  on  and  inflammation  set  in, 
ca  using  the  death  of  the  foal.  There  are  very  few 
cases  but  what  will  divide  if  left  alone.     Dust  a 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  357 

little  prepared  chalk  on  the  cord.  This  will  dry  it 
up,  causing  it  to  shrivel  much  faster  than  if  it  was 
left  alone.  It  has  been  said  that  colts  born  in  the 
barn  yard,  and  dirt  and  bacteria  getting  on  the 
navel  before  it  is  dry,  is  the  cause  of  a  number  of 
deaths.  They  give  the  symptoms  as  a  form  of 
blood  poisoning,  causing  swelling  of  the  joints; 
but  I  have  seen  a  great  number  of  colts  affected 
with  swelling  of  the  joints  which  had  no  connec- 
tion whatever  with  the  navel  cord.  There  are 
thousands  of  colts  born  in  the  barn  yard,  and  not 
one  in  a  thousand  is  affected  with  the  derange- 
ment above  mentioned.  The  reason  I  recommend 
the  use  of  the  chalk  is  it  causes  it  to  shrivel  up 
much  quicker  and  there  is  less  danger  of  a  bunch 
being  left  at  the  navel.  By  a  non-closure  of  the 
urachus  (the  tube  leading  from  the  base  of  the 
bladder  of  the  foetus)  the  urine  will  be  partly  or 
wholly  passed  through  the  navel  opening.  It  is 
recommended  to  tie  the  cord,  or  if  that  is  too  short 
to  stitch  up  the  opening.  I  think  this  is  a  bad 
plan,  as  the  majority  that  are  so  treated  die.  The 
urine  accumulates  in  the  tube,  and,  as  it  cannot 
escape,  sets  up  inflammation,  ending  in  death.  I 
find  it  is  much  better  practice  to  apply  prepared 
chalk  to  it  for  a  few  days,  or  use  tannic  acid  twen- 
ty grains,  water  one  ounce;  apply  a  little  twice 
daily.  In  this  form  of  treatment  the  urine  that 
finds  its  way  into  the  tube  will  drop/Out,  and  from 
the  astringent  and  drying  properties  of  the  chalk 
and  tannic  acid  and  time  allowed,  the  tube  closes 
without  anv  bad  result. 


358  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

Constipation. — This  is  a  troublesome  and  dan- 
gerous condition  in  newly  born  foals.  There  is  an 
accumulation  of  very  hard  material  in  the  bowels 
of  the  foetus  called  "meconium,"  and  in  some  cases 
the  young  creature  has  not  strength  enough  to 
expel  it,  and  will  give  rise  to  colic,  and  will  cause 
death  if  not  relieved.  The  foal  should  be  watched, 
and  if  it  cannot  expel  this  accumulation  use  in- 
jections of  warm  water  and  soap.  Do  not  put 
any  salt  in  the  water;  it  is  not  necessary  to  do  so, 
and  there  is  danger  of  it  causing  irritation.  If 
you  do  not  succeed  with  the  injections  give  two 
ounces  castor  oil,  or  four  ounces  raw  linseed  oil 
at  a  dose.  If  from  some  cause  the  foal  does  not 
get  its  mother's  milk  and  has  to  be  fed  on  cow's 
milk,  one-third  water  should  be  added  and  a  little 
brown  sugar,  enough  to  sweeten  it.  It  should  only 
have  about  a  pint  at  a  time,  and  receive  it  every 
hour  for  the  first  twenty-four  hours;  then  more 
at  a  time  and  not  so  often,  and  so  on,  and  after  two 
or  three  weeks  it  can  get  all  it  wants.  Flaxseed 
boiled  into  a  pulp  and  mixed  with  the  milk  is  very 
excellent,  as  it  is  nutritious  and  prevents  the  milk 
from  becoming  too  hard  in  the  stomach.  I  have 
known  foals  to  be  killed  by  getting  a  large  quan- 
tity of  cow's  milk  before  the  stomach  became  ac- 
customed to  it.  If  this  is  not  properly  attended  to 
it  will  likely  cause  diarrhoea  or  constipation. 

Diarrhoea. — This  is  a  very  common  complaint 
in  the  foal,  caused  by  the  food  the  mother  has 
eaten  or  something  the  colt  has  itself  gotten.  In 
cases  where  the  mother  has  been  separated  from 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 


359 


the  foal  for  several  hours,  the  colt  being  hungry 
and  its  stomach  being  weak,  it  takes  more  milk 
than  it  can  digest,  resulting  in  diarrhoea.  In  cases 
where  it  is  necessary  for  the  mare  and  foal  to  be 
separated  for  any  length  of  time  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  milk  the  mare,  so  that  the  colt  will  not  get 
too  much,  or  let  the  colt  take  a  little,  then  keep  it 
away  for  a  while  until  the  stomach  is  strength- 
ened, then  let  it  take  more.    There  is  very  little 
to  fear  on  account  of  the  milk  being  a  long  time 
in    the    udder,    as    no    change    takes    place '  in 
the  milk  as  long  as  the  udder  does  not  inflame. 
Even  then  it  does  not  seem  to  do  either  the  calf  or 
foal  any  harm.    In  the  early  stages  of  diarrhoea 
it  is  best  to  give  the  foal  two  ounces  castor  oil  and 
a  teaspoonful  of  tincture  of  opium,  and  change  the 
food  of  the  mother  from  grass  to  dry  hay  and  good 
oats  if  that  has  been  the  cause.    If  the  oil  does  not 
cure  it  after  it  has  operated,  give  tincture  of  opium 
two  teaspoonfuls,  tincture  of  catechu  one  table- 
spoonful,  chalk  a  tablespoonf ul ;  mix  this  in  half 
a  pint  of  starch  gruel.    Repeat  in  three  hours  if 
not  checked.    If  the  diarrhoea  should  be  very  se- 
vere, with  la^ge  quantities  of  very  liquid  feces, 
give  powdered   opium  twenty   grains,   camphor 
twenty  grains,  acetate  of  lead  ten  grains;  mix  in 
a  half  pint  of  starch  gruel.   Repeat  this  every  third 
hour  until  checked.    If  constipation  should  follow 
give  boiled  flaxseed. 

Diarrhoea  in  Calves  (White  Scours).— If  the  calf 
is  not  allowed  to  suckle  its  mother  great  care  is 
necessary  in  feeding  it.    If  it  gets  too  much  milk, 


3G0  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

or  if  the  milk  is  skimmed,  there  is  great  danger  of 
it  forming  a  solid  coagulum,  or  it  may  be  in  coagu- 
lated pieces,  and  these  become  so  hard  that  gas- 
tric juice  takes  no  effect  on  them,  or  the  hard  pieces 
may  form  in  the  intestines,  causing  irritation, 
resulting  in  diarrhoea  of  a  very  offensive  kind.  1 
have  prescribed  for  cases  of  this  kind,  and  usually 
relieved  them.  I  have  made  post-mortem  examina- 
tions of  calves  dying  from  this  disease  and  found 
masses  above  mentioned  so  hard  and  large  that 
it  would  be  impossible  for  them  to  pass  through 
the  bowels.  There  are  also  acid  secretions  that 
form  in  the  intestines,  causing  the  milk  to  curdle, 
separating  it  into  curds  and  whe3r,  producing  what 
is  known  as  "white  scours"  in  calves,  causing  them 
to  lose  flesh  very  rapidly,  and  in  some  cases  death. 
To  prevent  this  the  calf  should  be  fed  often  and  in 
small  quantities,  for  the  first  few  days,  on  milk 
from  as  fresh  a  cow  as  possible.  After  the  calf  is 
a  few  days  old  it  should  have  some  boiled  flaxseed 
mixed  with  its  milk.  (Oil  meal  is  not  good.)  Boil 
a  teacupful  of  flaxseed  in  three  gallons  of  wrater 
into  a  pulp,  and  when  it  is  cool  mix  a  teacupful  of 
this  pulp  in  each  calf  s  milk.  This  will  prevent  it 
from  forming  into  a  hard  lump,  and  it  is  very  nu- 
tritious. If  the  animal  should  get  into  the  condi- 
tion above  mentioned,  it  will  be  necessary  to  give 
it  a  dose  of  castor  oil  from  two  to  four  ounces,  ac- 
cording to  the  size  and  age  of  the  calf.  The  oil 
should  be  made  into  an  emulsion,  with  two  drams 
of  bicarbonate  of  potassium  and  sufficiency  of 
water.    This  should  be  succeeded  by  giving  half  a 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  361 

pint  of  lime  water  two  or  three  times  a  day  in  a 
small  quantity  of  milk,  until  the  acid  condition  of 
the  bowels  has  passed  away,  which  will  be  known 
by  the  better  color  of  the  feces  and  the  absence  of 
the  sour  smell.  Give  the  syrup  of  the  phosphate 
of  iron  in  tablespoonful  doses  in  the  milk  and 
flaxseed  tea.  Cod  liver  oil  is  a  very  useful  medi- 
cine, and  if  the  animal  is  valuable  the  expense 
would  be  repaid  by  the  successful  result.  If  this 
mild  constitutional  treatment  is  not  sufficient  to 
stop  the  scours  give  a  tablespoonful  of  tincture 
of  opium  and  tincture  of  catechu  at  a  dose  in 
starch  gruel  and  repeat  it  every  four  hours  until 
it  is  stopped.  Or  give  at  a  dose  powdered  opium 
twenty  grains,  acetate  of  lead  ten  grains,  mixed 
in  starch  gruel.  Repeat  every  fourth  hour  until 
checked.  The  calf  should  be  kept  in  a  good,  dry, 
warm  place. 

Bent  Ankles. — Although  at  birth  the  bones  of 
the  legs  are  usually  strong  enough  to  support  the 
weight  of  the  animal,  yet  we  frequently  find  that 
the  foal's  fore  legs  at  the  ankles  are  bent  forward, 
and  in  a  few  cases  they  will  come  in  contact  with 
the  ground  and  soon  become  raw  sores.  The 
cause  of  this  is,  the  ends  of  the  bones  have  not  be- 
come solid  enough  to  be  able  to  sustain  the  weight 
and  they  bend  forward  as  above  mentioned.  It 
is  very  difficult  to  remedy.  If  splints  or  bandages 
are  applied,  in  a  few  days  the  skin  underneath  the 
bandage  will  scald,  and  being  very  tender  may 
peel  off,  leaving  a  sore  difficult  to  heal.  My  ex- 
perience has  been  to  keep  the  mare  confined  to  a 


362  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

small  space  and  have  it  as  soft  as  possible.  Bathe 
the  legs  twice  a  day  with  tannic  acid  half  an  ounce, 
alcohol  half  a  pint,  water  half  a  pint;  mix.  This  will 
stimulate  and  harden  the  skin.  Use  no  splints  or 
bandages.  The  mare  should  get  good  oats  twice  a 
day,  and  a  bran  mash,  with  a  dessert-spoonful  of 
phosphate  of  calcium  in  it  for  a  week  or  two.  This 
will  enrich  the  milk  with  bone-producing  material. 
It  is  sometimes  mixed  with  the  milk  and  given  to 
the  foal,  but  it  is  very  apt  to  derange  its  stomach, 
being  so  young.  If  the  parts  should  become  sore 
apply  a  little  of  the  following  three  times  a  day: 
Oxide  of  zinc  one  ounce,  glycerine  two  ounces, 
sweet  oil  two  ounces;  mix.  Shake  up  well  before 
applying. 

Swollen  Joints. — In  some  colts  at  the  time  of 
birth  or  soon  after  there  are  a  number  of  soft  puffs 
form  on  the  joints,  especially  on  the  knee  joints 
and  stifle.  They  are  soft  to  the  touch,  with  no  heat 
or  tenderness;  they  do  not  seem  to  cause  any  suf- 
fering to  the  colt;  it  grows  and  runs  about  as  if 
nothing  was  the  matter.  It  is  caused  by  an  in- 
fusion of  fluid  in  the  bursae  of  the  joint,  and  where 
tendons  play,  and  as  the  animal  grows,  in  the  ma- 
jority of  cases,  it  will  disappear  without  any  treat- 
ment. If  it  does  not,  rub  the  parts  once  a  week 
with  biniodide  of  mercury  one  part,  lard  twelve 
parts. 

Rheumatism. — It  is  a  common  occurrence  to 
find  colts  from  two  weeks  to  two  months  old  suf- 
fering from  rheumatism  of  the  joints,  causing 
lameness,  fever,  great  weakness,  often  resulting  in 


DISEASES  OP  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  363 

death.  The  kidneys  often  become  affected,  caus- 
ing either  partial  suppression  of  urine  or  a  very 
great  increase  of  it;  matter  may  form  in  the  in- 
flamed joint  or  joints,  causing  its  distension. 

Symptoms:  Swelling  in  the  joints,  which  are 
hot  and  painful  to  the  touch;  the  colt  does  not 
want  to  stand,  lies  nearly  all  of  the  time,  it  is 
fevered  and  there  is  loss  of  appetite,  the  bowels  are 
either  constipated  or  there  will  be  diarrhoea.  If 
not  relieved  it  soon  becomes  much  emaciated  and 
dies. 

Treatment:  It  is  necessary  to  give  medicine  to 
reduce  the  fever  and  remove  from  the  system  the 
material  causing  the  rheumatism,  and  for  this 
purpose  nothing  seems  to  act  so  well  as  repeated 
doses  of  nitrate  of  potash,  for  the  foal  two  or  three 
drams  of  the  nitrate  of  potassium  given  dissolved 
in  half  a  pint  of  cold  water  three  or  four  times  a 
day  and  continued  for  a  few  days.  •  After  this  give 
a  tablespoonful  of  wine  of  colchicum  three  times 
daily.  The  joint  should  be  rubbed  with  canthar- 
ides  one  part  lard  six  parts ;  repeat  in  three  days 
if  needed.  If  the  colt  will  not  stand  it  should  be 
held  up  to  suck  five  or  six  times  a  day.  See  that 
it  is  kept  in  a  warm,  dry  place,  as  lying  on  the  cold 
earth  while  in  this  condition  we  cannot  expect  the 
treatment  to  be  of  any  avail. 

Weaning  the  Colt. — This  should  be  done  in  the 
fall  before  the  weather  gets  too  cold,  as  the 
change  will  be  great  from  getting  the  warm  milk 
from  the  mother  to  feeding  entirely  on  cold  grass. 
In  order  to  keep  the  colt  from  falling  off  in  flesh 


364  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

after  being  weaned  it  should  have  a  little  ground 
oats  mixed  with  bran  once  or  twice  a  day,  and 
have  access  to  plenty  of  clean  water,  and  if  possi- 
ble should  be  sheltered  from  the  cold  rains  of 
autumn,  as  being  exposed  to  a  chilly  rain  will  not 
only  reduce  it  in  flesh,  but  may  cause  rheumatism, 
ending  in  destroying  some  of  the  joints.  During 
the  first  year  at  least,  the  colt  should  be  well  fed, 
as  this  period  does  a  great  deal  in  shaping  the  fu- 
ture horse.  In  order  to  do  this  it  should  have  at 
least  two  quarts  of  oats  three  times  daily.  Oats 
are  much  better  food  than  corn  for  a  young  grow- 
ing colt,  as  they  contain  more  of  the  elements 
which  go  to  make  muscle  and  bone  than  any  of 
the  other  cereals.  There  is  an  idea  that  there  is 
danger  in  feeding  oats  to  foals,  but  it  is  a  great 
mistake.  Some  of  the  best  foals  which  I  have 
raised  got  as  much  as  eight  or  ten  quarts  a  day. 
Bran  is  also  good  for  foals.  It  not  only  keeps 
their  bowels  in  good  condition,  but  also  assists  in 
giving  nutrition.  There  is  really  more  nutrition 
in  bran  than  is  generally  supposed.  Steep  a  pail 
of  bran  in  water  over  night  and  then  boil  the 
water  and  you  will  find  that  it  has  given  up  a  good 
deal  of  glutinous  matter,  besides  lime  salts,  which 
go  to  build  up  bone  and  other  tissues  of  the  body. 
Clover  hay  is  much  better  for  colts  and  horses 
than  timothy.  It  wants  to  be  fed  in  smaller  quan- 
tities. Colts  will  eat  too  much  of  it  if  they  can  get 
it,  and  in  this  case  it  may  make  them  pot-bellied, 
and  in  some  horses  may  produce  heaves,  but  if  it 
is  fed  as  it  ought  to  be  there  will  be  no  danger  o* 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  365 

this,  and  your  colts  will  come  out  much  sleeker 
and  better  in  every  way  if  they  get  a  fair  supply 
of  oats  and  good  clover  hay.  This  I  know  from 
actual  experience. 

Parasitical  Bronchitis,  Husk  or  Hoose  in 
Calves. — Parasites  in  the  trachea  and  bronchial 
tubes  frequently  occur  in  calves  under  a  year  old ; 
it  is  seen  sometimes  among  older  animals,  but  sel- 
dom proves  fatal  in  them,  but  it  sometimes  causes 
great  mortality  among  young  calves.  These  para- 
sites are  known  as  "strongylus  niecrurus,"  and  are 
sometimes  found  in  the  lungs  of  the  ass.  Williams 
says  that  he  has  found  them  in  the  heart  and  blood 
vessels.  Hence  it  is  inferred  that  they  arrive  at 
the  lungs  by  entry  of  the  alimentary  canal  with 
the  food,  boring  a  passage  into  the  blood  vessels, 
passing  with  the  current  of  blood  through  the 
blood  vessels,  and  from  the  latter  into  the  bron- 
chial tubes.  There  are  a  great  many  different 
opinions  as  to  how  the  parasites  get  into  the 
bronchial  tubes,  and  it  is  said  that  in  wet  seasons 
animals  pasturing  on  low,  wet  land  are  liable  to 
be  attacked  by  them,  and  I  have  no  doubt  but 
what  there  is  some  truth  in  it;  but  I  have  seen 
them  in  calves  kept  in  a  dry  place  in  the  barn 
yard  and  during  the  early  spring  months  before 
they  had  any  grass. 

Symptoms :  Usually  there  is  at  first  a  cough  of 
a  very  distressing  nature  and  of  a  special  hacking 
and  paroxysmal  character.  There  is  a  discharge 
of  stringy  mucous  caused  by  the  severe  coughing. 
After  the  paroxysm  the  animal  gets  relief  for  a 


366  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

short  time.  The  parasites  can  be  found  in  the 
mucous  that  is  coughed  up  by  the  aid  of  a  strong 
glass.  This  disease  is  of  a  very  exhausting  nature 
and  the  animal  becomes  rapidly  emaciated,  and 
diarrhoea  sets  in  as  a  complication.  Steel  says: 
"The  parasites  imbedded  in  stringy  mucous  lie 
intertwined  in  groups,  or  stretched  against  the 
bronchial  mucous  membrane.  When  in  balls  they 
block  up  the  air  passage.  They  also  cause  spasms 
of  the  bronchial  tubes.  Thus  they  seriously  im- 
pede respiration,  which  is  always  remarkably  la- 
bored in  this  disease."  The  usual  duration  of  the 
attack  is  about  two  to  three  weeks. 

Treatment:  Collect  all  the  affected  calves  and 
put  them  into  a  house,  then  close  the  doors  and 
windows,  then  put  coals  of  fire  into  a  pot  and  put 
a  pound  or  two  of  sulphur  into  it;  remain  in  the 
house  with  the  calves  and  keep  the  doors  shut  as 
long  as  you  can  stand  it.  Then  the  pot  containing 
the  burning  sulphur  is  removed  and  the  animals 
left  exposed  to  the  gas  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour  or 
so,  then  let  them  out.  Also  give  each  half  a  dram 
of  sulphate  of  iron  in  a  little  gruel  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  from  half  to  an  ounce  of  spirits  of  turpen- 
tine in  a  little  oil  in  the  evening;  feed  on  good 
food.  All  the  bedding  and  other  materials  on 
which  there  is  any  chance  of  the  discharge  getting 
should  be  destroyed,  as  it  may  contain  some  of  the 
larvae,  and  if  it  should  be  eaten  by  other  animals 
there  is  a  possibility  of  their  getting  the  disease 
in  this  way. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  367 


CHAPTER     XXVIII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS. 

Gonorrhea  (Inflammation  of  the  Urethra). — 
This  is  not  a  common  disease  in  the  domestic  ani- 
mals and  can  usually  be  traced  to  contagion,  also 
from  the  female  animal  having  a  chronic  dis- 
charge from  the  vagina,  caused  by  weakness  of 
the  mucous  membrane  of  it. 

Symptoms:  A  desire  to  urinate  often,  a  dis- 
charge of  a  thin,  bluish  white  matter  from  the 
urethra  or  the  vagina,  sometimes  swelling  of  the 
parts,  and  ulcers  on  penis,  with  an  oozing  of  a 
very  foul-smelling  matter  from  the  ulcers. 

Treatment:  Wash  the  parts  well  with  warm 
water  and  soap,  then  apply  a  little  of  the  follow- 
ing: Acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce,  sulphate  of 
zinc  half  an  ounce,  carbolic  acid  half  an  ounce, 
water  one  quart ;  use  a  little  of  this  to  the  external 
surface  three  times  a  day  and  inject  a  little  of  the 
following  twice  daily :  Nitrate  of  silver  ten  grains, 
distilled  water  two  ounces.  A  glass  syringe 
should  be  used  for  this  lotion.  This  should  be  con- 
tinued until  the  discharge  stops.  If  the  ulcers 
do  not  heal  in  a  few  days  touch  them  with  nitrate 
of  silver  in  pencil  form  once  a  day  for  a  few  days, 
then  use  the  above  lotion.  Give  one  ounce  fluid 
extract  buchu  and  two  ounces    sweet  spirits  of 


368  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

nitre  at  a  dose  in  half  a  pint  of  cold  water  twice  a 
day  for  a  few  days.  If  the  animal  is  in  poor^condi- 
tion  mix  and  divide  into  twenty-four  doses  sul- 
phate of  iron  four  ounces,  nitrate  of  potassium 
four  ounces,  nux  vomica  two  ounces.  Give  one 
night  and  morning  in  a  bran  mash. 

Phymosis. — This  is  a  morbid  condition  of  the 
sheath.  Phymosis  is  usually  the  result  of  an  in- 
jury to  the  sheath  or  its  vicinity.  It  is  also  caused 
by  an  animal  standing  in  the  stable  without  exer- 
cise, and  overfed,  or  it  may  be  the  result  of  starva- 
tion. It  is  also  caused  by  an  increased  supply  of 
the  sebaceous  secretions,  furnishing  material  for 
dust  and  other  dirt  to  accumulate  on. 

Symptoms:  Swelling  of  the  sheath  to  such  an 
extent  as  to  cause  it  to  almost  close  its  opening. 

Treatment:  Bathe  the  part  with  hot  water  for 
half  an  hour  three  times  a  day  and  use  acetate  of 
lead  half  an  ounce,  tincture  of  arnica  two  ounces, 
water  one  quart;  shake  up  well  and  apply  a  little 
after  each  bathing.  Suspend  the  sheath  by  put- 
ting a  broad  piece  of  cloth  around  the  loins  and 
under  the  sheath.  This  will  relieve  it  very  much. 
If  it  is  left  hanging  pendulous  it  will  retard  the 
cure.  If  it  is  caused  by  the  animal  standing  in  the 
stable  without  exercise,  or  if  very  fat,  give  aloes 
one  ounce,  ginger  half  an  ounce,  carbonate  of  soda 
half  an  ounce,  dissolve  in  half  a  pint  of  boiling 
water,  add  half  a\  pint  of  cold  water,  and  give  at 
one  dose.  Follow  this  by  giving  half-ounce  doses 
of  nitrate  of  potassium.  If  the  animal  is  thin  use 
sulphate  of  iron  four  ounces,  nitrate  of  potassium 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  369 

four  ounces,  mix  vomica  two  ounces,  divide  into 
twenty-four  doses  and  give  twice  a  day  in  bran 
mash. 

Paraphymosis. — This  is  a  condition  in  which  the 
penis  is  swollen  and  cannot  be  contracted  or  with- 
drawn within  the  sheath.  It  is  caused  by  the  part 
being  injured,  or  from  weakness  associated  with 
debility  of  the  animal,  and  sometimes  from 
paralysis. 

Symptoms :  A  portion  or  the  whole  of  the  penis 
hangs  out  of  the  sheath,  swollen  sometimes  to  a 
great  size,  and  of  a  reddish  brown  color;  and  if 
acute  inflammation  is  present  it  will  be  extremely 
painful;  at  times  it  is  cold  and  not  painful.  If  it 
is  not  properly  treated  it  may  become  gangrenous. 
Sometimes  there  is  a  condition  in  old  horses  in 
which  it  hangs  out  pendulous  and  does  not  swell. 
In  this  case  there  is  no  cure,  but  it  ought  to  be 
amputated. 

Treatmeot :  The  first  thing  to  do  is  to  suspend 
it  by  putting  a  wide  bandage  around  under  it 
and  fastened  over  the  loins.  If  it  is  hot  and  ten- 
der keep  it  constantly  wet  with  a  lotion  of  ace- 
tate of  lead  half  an  ounce,  tincture  of  opium  two 
ounces,  water  one  quart.  If  it  is  cold  and  has 
blisters  on  it  scarify  it  and  foment  with  hot  water 
for  half  an  hour  three  times  a  day,  then  rub  on 
a  little  of  the  following:  Tincture  of  opium  one 
ounce,  fluid  extract  of  belladonna  one  ounce,  water 
one  pint,  after  each  bathing.  If  the  animal  is  in 
good  condition  give  the  horse  one  ounce  aloes, 
the  bull  one  and  a  half  pounds  of  Epsom  salts; 


370  DISEASES  OF   HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

also  give  half -ounce  doses  of  nitrate  of  potassium 
three  times  a  day  in  bran  mash.  If  the  animal  is 
weak  give  sulphate  of  iron  four  ounces,  nitrate  of 
potassium  four  ounces,  nux  vomica  two  ounces; 
mix  and  divide  into  twenty-four  doses,  one  to  be 
given  night  and  mo*  uing  in  bran  mash.  Repeat 
this  quantity  if  necessary.  If  these  remedies  fail 
after  two  weeks'  treatment  it  will  be  necessary 
to  amputate  it  This  is  best  done  by  the  ecraseur, 
as  it  will  prevent  bleeding;  after  it  is  removed 
treat  as  for  a  common  wound. 

Ulcers  and  Fungous  Growths. — Occasionally 
open  ulcers  will  be  found  on  the  penis  which  will 
not  heal  by  the  ordinary  treatment.  The  ulcerated 
parts  should  be  touched  with  nitrate  of  silver  once 
a  day  for  a  few  days,  then  apply  a  little  of  the  fol- 
lowing to  the  parts  twice  a  day :  Oxide  of  zinc  one 
ounce,  glycerine  two  ounces,  mix. 

Fungous  Growths.  These  are  very  foul-smell- 
ing tumors  which  are  sometimes  seen  on  the  penis 
and  are  troublesome  to  treat.  If  there  is  a  neck 
to  the  tumor  tie  a  small  piece  of  cord  tight  around 
it,  or  if  it  is  large  it  is  best  to  remove  it  by  the 
ecraseur.  After  its  removal  apply  a  little  ter- 
chloride  of  antimony  to  the  part  every  second  day 
for  a  week  to  destroy  the  roots,  then  use  a  little 
of  the  above  medicine  to  heal  it.  In  cases  where 
the  fungous  is  growing  all  around  the  penis  it 
will  be  better  to  amputate  it  above  the  fungus  with 
the  ecraseur  and  treat  it  as  before  mentioned 
Fungous  growths  around  the  margin  or  in  the 
vagina  are  to  be  treated  in  the  same  way. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  371 

Orchitis  (Inflammation  of  the  Testicle). — This 
disease  is  caused  by  injuries  to  the  part,  such  as 
blows,  bites  from  other  horses,  wounds  penetrat- 
ing the  testicle.  It  is  also  caused  by  feeding  too 
much  stimulating  food  in  hot  weather  or  medi- 
cines that  stimulate  the  generative  system,  such 
as  cantharides,  rue,  tansy,  dameana. 

Symptoms:  Swelling  of  the  part,  which  is  hot 
and  tender  to  the  touch,  the  swelling  often  extend- 
ing down  the  legs.  The  animal  suffers  pain 
when  made  to  move.  This  disease  can  be  easily 
distinguished  from  hydrocele  (water  in  the  pouch) 
by  the  swelling  being  hard  and  hot  and  very  ten- 
der, while  in  hydrocele  it  is  soft  and  will  fluctuate 
under  the  fingers. 

Treatment:  Give  the  horse  aloes  one  ounce, 
the  bull  one  and  a  half  pounds  Epsom  salts.  Fol- 
low this  by  giving  half  an  ounce  nitrate  of  potas- 
sium three  times  a  day  in  bran  mash.  If  the  appe- 
tite is  good  put  it  in  its  food.  Bathe  the  part  three 
or  four  times  daily  with  hot  water,  and  after  each 
bathing  use  a  little  of  the  following:  Acetate  of 
lead  half  an  ounce,  tincture  of  arnica  two  ounces, 
water  one  quart.  If  matter  should  form,  which 
can  be  known  by  the  part  becoming  soft,  and  pit- 
ting with  the  finger,  then  open  it  with  the  knife, 
squeeze  out  all  the  matter  and  wash  it  out  with 
water,  then  inject  a  little  of  the  following:  Perox- 
ide of  hydrogen  one  ounce,  water  four  ounces.  Do 
this  twice  a  day  to  heal  it.  If  it  will  not  heal  it  will 
be  necessary  to  castrate  the  animal.  If  it  should 
remain  swollen  and  hard  after  the  inflammation 


372  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

is  relieved  use  iodine  two  drams,  vaseline  two 
ounces;  mix  and  apply  a  little  twice  a  week,  and 
give  one  dram  of  iodide  of  potassium  in  a  bran 
mash  twice  a  day  for  a  month  if  necessary. 

Hydrocele  (Water  in  the  Scrotum). — This  de- 
rangement is  sometimes  the  result  of  inflamma- 
tion of  the  scrotum  or  by  the  walls  of  the  scrotum 
being  bruised. 

Symptoms:  The  scrotum  is  swollen  and  will 
fluctuate  under  the  fingers,  and  the  testicles  can 
be  felt  floating  in  the  water. 

Treatment :  If  it  is  not  interfering  with  the  ani- 
mal's health  and  not  increasing  in  size  it  will  be 
better  left  alone.  Astringent  medicines  may  be 
tried,  such  as  tannic  acid,  twenty  grains  to  the 
ounce  of  water.  The  proper  treatment  is  to  draw 
off  the  fluid  with  a  hypodermic  syringe,  the  noz- 
zle of  which  is  passed  through  a  solution  of  car- 
bolic acid.  But  this  should  be  done  only  by  a 
veterinarian. 

Leucorrhoea  (Whites). — This  derangement  is 
caused  from  a  chronic  inflammation  of  the  lining 
membrane  of  the  vagina,  producing  an  exudation 
of  a  white  glutinous  substance  from  it.  The  dis- 
charge varies  in  amount,  also  in  its  consistency;  at 
times  it  will  be  thin  and  of  a  bluish  white  color, 
and  at  others  thick  and  white.  If  there  are  ulcer- 
ations of  the  membrane  the  discharge  may  be 
mixed  with  blood.  In  some  animals  there  is  a  con- 
stant excitement  and  the  animal  loses  flesh. 

Causes:  Contagion,  debility  and  old  age,  and 
having  a  scrofulous  tendency. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  373 

Treatment :  Clean  out  the  part  with  injections 
of  warm  water,  then  inject  a  little  of  the  following : 
Sulphate  of  zinc  half  an  ounce,  carbolic  acid  half 
an  ounce,  water  one  quart.  The  part  should  be 
cleaned  once  daily.  If  there  are  ulcers  they  should 
be  touched  with  nitrate  of  silver  every  second  day 
until  healthy.  Sometimes  if  it  is  not  improving 
change  the  lotion  to  peroxide  of  hydrogen  two 
ounces,  water  four  ounces.  Inject  at  once.  Repeat 
every  day.  Give  the  animal  two  drams  of  sulphate 
of  iron  and  half  a  dram  of  nux  vomica  in  a  bran 
mash  twice  a  day  for  two  or  three  weeks. 

Chronic  Enlargement  of  the  Testicles. — This  oc- 
curs sometimes  in  stallions  that  are  overfed  and 
have  not  sufficient  exercise.  It  is  supposed  to  be 
caused  by  a  chill  or  from  being  bruised,  but  not 
severely  enough  to  cause  inflammation.  The 
growth  is  usually  slow,  but  by  degrees  they  be- 
come very  large,  and  usually  their  function  is  not 
interfered  with. 

Treatment :  If  the  animal  is  fat  give  it  a  dose  of 
aloes.  Follow-  this  with  dram  doses  of  iodide  of 
potassium  twice  a  day  in  bran  mash,  and  continue 
it  for  two  weeks,  then  skip  a  week  and  give  again, 
and  so  on  for  several  months.  Mix  ichthyol  one 
part,  vaseline  two  parts ;  rub  a  little  of  this  twice 
a  week  on  the  testicles,  and  continue  it  for  several 
months.  This  plan  of  treatment  if  properly  car- 
ried out  is  usually  successful. 


374  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

CASTRATION. 

The  best  time  for  the  operation  is  when  the  colt 
is  one  year  old,  in  the  calf  when  it  is  one  month 
old.  The  latter  part  of  April  or  the  month  of  May 
is  the  best  time  of  the  year,  when  it  is  neither  too 
hot  nor  too  cold.  Colts  that  are  thin  and  low  in 
the  neck  ought  not  to  be  operated  upon  until  they 
are  two  years  old. 

Rules  to  guide  the  operator:  First.  Examine 
the  scrotum  to  see  if  there  is  a  rupture,  or  if  the 
testicles  have  come  down.  If  not  it  will  be  wise 
to  wait  for  a  few  months  longer.  Second.  Never 
operate  on  a  thin  or  an  unhealthy  colt.  Third.  Do 
not  operate  during  cold,  wet  weather.  Fourth. 
An  animal  that  is  confined  in  badly  ventilated 
stables  should  not  be  operated  upon.  Fifth.  If  a 
colt  is  thin  it  should  have  two  or  three  quarts  of 
good  oats  a  day  for  a  few  weeks  before  being  oper- 
ated upon.  Sixth.  The  hands  and  instruments 
should  be  clean.  Seventh.  When  an  older  animal 
is  to  be  operated  upon  it  should  be  exercised  or 
worked  moderately  for  some  time  before  the  oper- 
ation, or  if  very  fat  should  have  a  dose  of  physic 
a  week  before,  and  allowed  a  regular  allowance 
of  oats,  as  it  does  not  do  to  starve  an  animal  be- 
fore the  operation. 

There  are  several  methods  of  performing  the 
operation,  but  those  used  at  present  are  either  the 
clamp  or  the  ecraseur.  My  experience  is  that  the 
clamp  is  the  safest  and  best,  as  there  are  fewer  bad 
results  after  it  than  the  ecraseur.     The  kind  of 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  375 

wood  is  not  of  much  importance  as  long  as  it  is 
grooved  and  strong  enough  not  to  bend.  A  caustic 
is  usually  placed  in  the  groove.  I  use  bichloride  of 
mercury  one  part,  and  flour  six  parts,  made  into 
a  paste  with  water.  It  is  best  to  prepare  it  when 
you  are  going  to  use  it.  The  clamp  should  be  put 
well  down  on  the  cord  and  tied  tight  at  both  ends. 
Some  have  the  idea  that  it  gives  the  animal  more 
courage  to  leave  the  cords  long,  what  they  call 
"Proud."  This  is  a  mistake,  as  when  the  clamp 
is  taken  off  the  end  of  the  cord  may  hang  out  and 
become  diseased.  The  clamps  should  be  left  on 
for  twenty-four  hours,  and  when  taken  off  the 
cord  should  be  pushed  up  into  the  cavity.  When 
rupture  is  present  the  outer  skin  only  should  be 
cut  and  pushed  back,  the  testicle  drawn  up,  the 
bowel  pressed  in,  and  a  clamp  put  on,  without  any 
caustic  on  it,  and  left  on  until  it  sloughs  off.  An- 
other method  is  to  push  the  bowel  in  and  put  only 
one  clamp  over  skin  and  all,  and  let  it  remain  on 
until  it  sloughs  off.  I  think  this  is  the  best  way.  If 
a  clamp  should  come  off  and  bleeding  take  place 
it  will  be  necessary  to  cast  the  colt,  find  the  cord, 
and  put  on  the  clamp  again.  If  the  bleeding  is 
not  very  great  it  is  best  to  keep  the  animal  quiet 
for  a  while  and  it  may  stop  of  its  own  accord.  I 
have  seen  several  cases  in  which  it  stopped  with- 
out interference.  If  the  cord  cannot  be  found  and 
the  bleeding  is  very  copious  stop  it  by  taking  some 
cotton  batting  and  wetting  it  with  tincture  of 
chloride  of  iron  or  carbolic  acid  one  part,  oil  or 
glycerine  two  parts,  and  pushing  this  into  the 


376  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

pouch  and  sewing  it  up.  I  usually  let  it  remain  in 
for  twenty-four  hours,  then  remove  it  carefully 
and  there  is  no  more  trouble. 

Swelling  of  the  Parts. — Sometimes  swelling 
occurs  after  the  operation.  It  may  be  severe  or 
only  slight,  and  this  can,  in  the  majority  of  cases, 
be  prevented  by  giving  the  animal  exercise  or 
turning  it  out  to  pasture.  It  is  usually  caused  by 
the  cuts  closing  too  soon,  preventing  the  escape 
of  blood  and  serum  that  will  accumulate  if  the 
openings  close  too  soon.  This  is  one  of  the  ad- 
vantages of  using  the  clamp,  as  it  keeps  the  cut 
from  closing,  as  the  end  of  the  cord  is  through  it 
for  twenty-four  hours,  and  when  the  clamp  is 
taken  off  and  the  end  of  the  cord  pushed  up  this 
opens  any  part  of  it  that  might  have  closed.  The 
swelling  may  be  caused  from  using  dirty  instru- 
ments. When  the  swelling  is  great  the  parts 
should  be  bathed  for  half  an  hour  several  times 
a  day  and  a  lotion  made  of  acetate  of  lead  half  an 
ounce,  tincture  of  opium  two  ounces,  water  one 
quart,  applied  after  each  bathing.  Open  the  cuts 
with  the  fingers  and  wash  out  with  warm  water 
and  carbolic  acid,  a  teaspoonful  to  the  quart  of 
water.  Sometimes  it  is  necessary  to  suspend  it 
when  it  is  much  swollen.  Give  the  yearling  colt 
one  dram  of  nitrate  of  potassium  in  a  mash  three 
times  a  day.  Give  a  two-year-old  two  drams,  and 
a  horse  four  drams.  This  treatment  will  usually 
relieve  the  swelling. 

Champignon,  Scirrhus  of  the  Cord,  or  Sareocele. 
— This  trouble  usually  arises  from  the  operation 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  377 

by  the  caustic  clamp,  either  from  the  clamp  not 
being  far  enough  down  on  the  cord,  or  from  allow- 
ing the  clamp  to  remain  on  too  long,  and  when  it 
is  removed,  neglecting  to  separate  the  adhesions 
that  have  formed  between  the  lips  of  the  wound 
and  the  cord;  also  from  paralysis  of  the  cord. 
When  the  clamp  is  taken  off  see  that  the  cord  is 
pushed  up,  and  if  it  should  hang  no  time  should 
be  lost  before  it  is  removed,  as  when  it  is  exposed 
to  the  air  it  swells  and  soon  becomes  hard.  The 
animal  should  be  cast,  the  cord  separated  from 
the  lips  of  the  wound  and  drawn  down  a  little  and 
a  fresh  clamp  put  on  it  as  far  down  as  possible, 
then  remove  that  which  is  external  to  the  clamp, 
let  the  clamp  stop  on  for  twenty-four  hours,  then 
remove  it,  pushing  up  the  end  of  the  cord;  or  it 
may  be  removed  by  the  ecraseur.  I  have  removed 
a  portion  of  the  cord  that  had  grown  until  it  was 
as  large  as  a  child's  head.  The  animal  did  well 
after  its  removal. 

Chronic  Suppuration,  or  Fistula  of  the  Scrotum. 
— This  is  caused  by  the  cord  becoming  diseased 
and  hard,  keeping  up  an  unhealthy  action  in  the 
scrotum  and  the  formation  of  a  foul-smelling  mat- 
ter. Very  often  the  wound  may  wholly  or  par- 
tially close,  but  the  matter  accumulates  within, 
the  scrotum  swells,  and  the  old  wound  opens  and 
discharges  copiously  for  a  time,  and  so  on  until  it 
is  cured,  which  is  best  done  by  casting  the  animal, 
opening  the  scrotum,  removing  the  diseased  por- 
tion of  the  cord,  and  destroying  any  other  un- 


178  DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

healthy  tissue  in  the  scrotum  by  terchloride  of  an- 
timony; usually  one  application  is  enough. 

Peritonitis  (Inflammation  of  the  Peritoneum. — 
This  is  one  of  the  results  of  castration,  and  usu- 
ally ends  in  death,  and  is  caused  by  the  animal 
being  exposed  to  cold  rains  after  the  operation, 
although  I  have  seen  cases  of  it  when  the  weather 
has  been  hot,  when  an  animal  is  too  fat  or  too 
thin.  Dividing  the  cord  too  high  up  is  said  to 
have  a  tendency  to  cause  it.  It  is  also  caused  by 
injuries  to  the  abdominal  walls,  and  may  take 
place  from  being  injured  in  casting,  and  from  ex- 
posure to  cold  when  heated,  even  when  no  opera- 
tion has  been  performed. 

Symptoms:  The  animal  appears  dull  and  stiff, 
does  not  want  to  move,  and  if  it  feels  pain  it  is  too 
sick  and  depressed  to  move,  the  muscles  of  the 
belly  are  tucked  up,  and  the  skin  is  tight,  and  if 
pressed  on  with  the  hand  the  animal  will  evince 
pain,  the  breathing  is  hurried,  the  pulse  quick  and 
hard,  and  the  animal  refuses  food  and  water.  In 
some  cases  it  will  lie  down  and  roll  as  in  inflam- 
mation of  the  bowels,  the  legs  and  ears  become 
cold  and  the  muscles  of  the  face  are  contracted, 
which  shows  that  the  poor  animal  is  suffering  in- 
tense agony.  Sometimes  it  becomes  delirious  or 
comatosed  and  dies  paralyzed.  This  form  of  in- 
flammation resembles  erysipelas,  and  spreads  fast 
over  the  membrane  of  the  bowels  and  the  lining 
of  the  abdominal  muscles,  taking  on  a  low  form 
of  fever,  usually  ending  in  death. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE.  379 

Treatment:  Give  powdered  opium  in  two-dram 
doses  every  two  hours,  until  three  doses  are  taken, 
then  every  four  hours.  If  the  animal  is  in  full 
flesh  and  the  pulse  very  hard  add  fifteen  to  twenty 
drops  of  tincture  of  aconite,  and  give  it  in  a  pint 
of  oatmeal  gruel.  The  continued  application  of 
hot  water  to  the  abdomen  is  useful.  If.  the  animal 
is  very  restless  use  mustard  made  up  with  hot 
water  instead  of  the  hot  water.  If  the  pulse  is 
weak  and  small  and  the  legs  and  ears  cold  give 
stimulants,  such  as  spirits  of  nitrous  ether  two 
ounces,  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia  one  ounce, 
administered  in  a  pint  of  cold  water  and  repeated 
every  second  hour.  If  the  animal  should  recover 
it  should  be  fed  on  boiled  linseed  and  bran  mashes 
for  a  few  days.  Give  what  water  it  will  take 
cold. 


$80  DISEASES   OF  HORSES   AND   CATTLE, 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

INTESTINAL    WORMS    OF    HORSES    AND    CATTLE. 

Although  worms  of  the  horse,  mule,  ass  ami 
cattle  are  sufficiently  numerous  as  species,  yet  they 
do  not  generally  cause  so  much  disturbance  and 
disease  as  they  do  in  the  case  of  the  other  domestic 
animals  similarly  affected.  Some  veterinarians  go 
so  far  as  to  think  that  the  study  of  worms  is  of 
little  importance;  but  I  think  I  have  seen  suffi- 
cient disturbance  caused  by  these  parasites  to  con- 
sider the  subject  of  some  importance;  but  I  shall 
take  up  the  reader's  time  by  describing  only  thos« 
which  are  likely  to  cause  trouble  in  horses  anil 
cattle. 

Fig.  20 — The  Round  Worm  (Ascaris  Megaloce 
phala). — This  parasite  inhabits  the  intestine  of 
horses  and  cattle  and  may  be  found  in  the  stomach. 
It  is  quite  common  in  these  animals.  It  closely  re- 
sembles the  common  earthworm  in  form  and  gen- 
eral appearance  in  all  respects  but  color,  which 
is  a  pinkish  white.  It  grows  to  a  large  size,  the 
male  being  from  ten  to  twelve  inches  long  and  the 
female  twelve  to  fifteen.  The  largest  one  I  ever 
found  was  fifteen  and  one-half  inches  long  and 
half  an  inch  in  thickness  in  its  middle;  this  worm 
had  a  greenish  tinge.  The  mouth  is  surrounded 
by  thin,  large,  very  prominent  lobes  or  pipille, 
In  the  male  the  tail  is  provided  with  wing-like 


DISEASES   OF  HORSES   AND  CATTLE. 


282 


folds  along  the  sides;  in  the  female  it  is  eonical 
terminating  in  a  point,  the  genital  opening  being 
situated  in  the  anterior  fourth  of  the  body.  This 
species  produces  vast  numbers  of  eggs,  which  de- 
velop embryos  external  to  the  body  in  water.  Dr. 
Cobbold  states  that  he  has  reared  free,  active 
embryos  from   these   eggs   by   keeping   them  in 


Fi£.  20— The  Round  "Worm. 


water  for  five  months.  It  is  likely  that  horses 
swallow  these  embryos  in  the  water  they  drink 
and  if  they  are  numerous  they  will  cause  some 
disturbance  to  digestion. 

The  symptoms  are  a  rough,  staring  coat,  a  crav- 
ing appetite,  more  or  less  emaciation  with  weak- 
ness, the  passage  of  mucus  with  the  feces,  a  por- 
tion of  which  very  often  remains  outside  of  the 


382  DISEASES  OF  HORSES   AND  CATTLE. 

anus  and  dries  there  causing  an  itchiness  and  the 
animal  will  frequently  rub  its  tail.  It  will  eat 
large  quantities  of  food  and  become  pot-bellied. 
In  some  cases^there  will  be  colicy  pains  and  more 
or  less  bloating.  No  matter  how  good  the  food 
may  be  or  the  quantity  eaten  the  animal  still  re- 
mains in  poor  condition.  When  ^the  above  symp- 
toms are  present  a  watch  should  be  kept,  for  very 
likely  a  worm  or  two  will  be  discovered  in  the 
feces.  We  may  then,  with  a  degree  of  certainty, 
suppose  that  worms  are  the  cause  of  the  trouble. 

Treatment:  There  are  a  number  of  substances 
used  for  the  dislodgement  of  these  worms.  Give 
the  horse  two  ounces  of  turpentine  in  half  a  pint 
of  raw  linseed  oil  at  a  dose  on  an  empty  stomach 
morning  and  night  for  three  or  four  days,  then 
give  one  quart  of  raw  linseed  oil  as  a  physic.  An- 
other good  remedy  is  to  mix  two  drams  of  asa- 
fetida,  one  dram  of  calomel,  one  dram  of  savin 
and  two  drams  of  the  fluid  extract  of  the  male 
shield  fern  and  make  into  a  ball  and  give  at  night 
on  an  empty  stomach.  A  bran  mash  can  be  given 
two  hours  after  the  ball  and  on  the  following 
morning  one  ounce  of  aloes  as  a  physic.  This  is 
a  very  effectual  remedy.  When  one  has  not  time 
to  lay  up  his  horse  benefit  is  sometimes  obtained 
from  giving  him  two  drams  of  sulphate  of  iron  and 
half  an  ounce  of  gentian  at  a  dose  morning  and 
night  in  a  bran  mash  if  the  horse  will  take  it;  if 
not,  put  it  into  a  quart  of  gruel  and  give  as  a 
drench;  continue  tjiis  for  a  week. 

Pin-Worm  of  the  Horse  (Oxyuris  Ourvula). — 


DISEASES   OF   HORSES    AND   CATTLE.  38S 

This  worm  is  also  called  the  inaw-worm,  thread- 
worm, etc.  It  is  a  small,  white  worm,  usually 
found  in  the  rectum,  cecum  and  colon,  and  is 
about  from  half  an  inch  to  two  inches  long.  Ver- 
rill  says  that  this,  like  other  species  of  oxyuris, 
produces  eggs  having  firm  shells.  These  probably 
hatch  in  water,  and  the  embryos  may  be  thus  swal- 
lowed in  drinking.  The  intestines  of  these  para- 
sites are  generally  filled  with  vegetable  matters 
derived  from  the  food  of  the  animal  in  which  they 
live,  and  the  structure  of  the  digestive  organ 
seems  to  be  adapted  to  vegetable  food.  For  this 
reason  it  is  probable  that  they  ordinarily  cause 
little  or  no  inconvenience  to  the  horse  they  in- 
habit. 

Symptoms:  The  most  marked  symptom  is  the 
incrustation  of  a  yellowish  white  mass  at  the 
verge  of  the  rectum  of  the  horse;  such  agglutina- 
tions afford  sure  evidence  of  the  existence  of  in- 
testinal worms.  Their  presence  in  the  rectum 
causes  itching,  evinced  by  the  animal  rubbing  its 
tail.  If  these  worms  are  numerous  and  extend  up 
into  the  colon  they  may  interfere  with  the  health 
of  the  horse  causing  weakness,  dry  hair  and  a  gen- 
eral unthrifty  appearance.  These  worms  are  more 
common  in  young  animals  than  in  adults. 

Treatment:  When  the  worms  inhabit  the  rec- 
tum they  are  easily  gotten  rid  of  by  injections, 
such  as  two  ounces  of  quassia  chips  infused  over 
night  in  a  pint  of  water,  or  two  drams  of  tincture 
chloride  of  iron  mixed  in  a  pint  of  water.  The 
rectum  should  first  be  well  cleaned  out  by  injec- 


384  DISEASES    OF   HORSES    AND   CATTLE. 

tions  of  warm  water,  then  inject  either  of  the 
above.  If  this  docs  not  remove  them  repeat  in  a 
few  days.  If  these  worms  should  be  in  the  colon 
the  same  remedies  recommended  for  round  worms 
should  be  tried. 

Spiroptera  Megastoma. — This  worm  sometimes 
found  in  the  horse  is  described  by  Verrill 
as  a  small  species  of  worm  which  lives  in 
the  stomach  and  oesophagus.  It  tapers  a  little 
toward  each  end,  the  head  is  separated  by  a 
slight  constriction  and  bears  four  lobes,  the 
mouth  is  large.  The  male  becomes  rather  more 
than  a  quarter  of  an  inch  long,  and  the  fe- 
male nearly  half  an  inch  long.  This  worm  some- 
times produces  tubercles  or  hard  tumors  of  con- 
siderable size,  most  frequently  situated  near  the 
pylorus.  These  contain  many  cavities  connected 
together  and  filled  with  purulent  matter  in  which 
there  are  numerous  specimens  of  the  parasite.  The 
tumors  are  sometimes  one  and  one-half  inches  in 
diameter,  and  there  are  at  times  several  in  the 
same  stomach.  There  is  no  special  symptom  by 
which  we  can  ascertain  if  these  worms  are  pres- 
ent.   I  have  found  several  cases  on  post  mortem. 

The  Stomach  Fluke  of  Cattle  (Amphistoma 
conicum  and  A.  crumeniferum). — These  flukes 
are  found  in  the  stomach  of  cattle.  They  are 
short,  thick  and  somewhat  flat,  the  mouth  and 
sucker  being  at  the  small  end;  the  other  end 
is  rounded  and  bears  the  other  sucker  which 
is  alwa}Ts  larger  near  the  posterior  end.  T5it 
eggs   also    produce    ciliated    embryos    in    water, 


DISEASES   OF   HORSES    AND   CATTLE.  385 

and  they  are  supposed  to  go  through  the  same 
transformations  as  some  other  species.  I  do  not 
know  that  either  of  them  have  been  found  in  suf- 
ficient numbers  to  cause  any  serious  disease  in 
cattle.  There  are  no  special  symptoms  by  which 
we  can  detect  them  during  life. 

The  Strongylus  of  Horses  and  Cattle  (Strongylua 
micrurus,  also  known  as  Parasitical  Bronchitis, 
Husk  or  Hoose  in  Calves). — You  will  find  this 
worm  described  on  page  365.  These  worms  are 
said  to  have  been  seen  in  the  air  passages  of  horses, 
mules  and  asses,  but  I  have  found  them  only  in 
calves  and  young  cattle.  If  detected  in  the  horse 
the  treatment  would  be  the  same  as  for  the  calf. 

The  Kidney  Worm  (Eustrongylus  gigas). — This 
is  the  largest  of  all  the  Nematode  worms,  the 
females  sometimes  becoming  three  feet  long 
and  half  an  inch  in  diameter,  although  usually 
much  less.  The  male  becomes  ten  to  twelve  inches 
long  and  one-fourth  of  an  inch  in  diameter. 

Habits:  "This  formidable  parasite  lives  in  the 
kidneys  of  man  and  various  animals.  It  has  been 
found  in  the  dog,  horse,  cattle,  hog,  wolf,  weasles, 
mink,  otter,  seal,  glutton,  racoon,  and  coati.  In 
this  country  it  has  been  found  quite  frequently  in 
the  kidneys  of  the  mink.  It  has  been  found  very 
rarely  in  the  bladder,  in  the  abdominal  cavity, 
and,  it  is  said,  in  the  heart.  In  man  it  is  very  rare. 
When  lodged  in  the  kidney  it  gradually,  but  com- 
pletely, destroys  the  substance  of  the  organ,  which 
becomes  filled  with  purulent  and  bloody  matter, 
upon  which  the  worm  feeds,  while  the  walls  often 


386  DISEASES   OF  HORSES   AND  CATTLE. 

become  hardened  with  calcareous  deposits.  The 
effects  and  symptoms  are  the  same  as  in  other 
acute  diseases  or  abscesses  in  one  of  the  kidneys. 
The  only  positive  evidence  of  the  presence  of  the 
worm  would  be  the  discovery  of  the  eggs  in  the 
urine.    It  is  probable  that  no  remedy  can  be  ap- 


Fig.  21— Perfoliate  Tapeworm. 

plied  when  the  parasite  is  once  lodged  in  the 
kidney."    (Verrill.) 

"Tape- Worm  of  the  Horse  (Taenia  perfoliata 
Goeze). — This  is  a  small  species,  seldom  becoming 
more  than  three  inches  long  and  a  third  of  an  inck 
broad.  The  head  is  rather  square,  with  four  prom- 
inent suckers,  but  without  a  proboscis  and  hooks. 
There  is  no  distinct  neck,  the  first  joints  behind 
the  head  being  broad,  but  short.    There  are  abomt 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES   AND  CATTLE.  38? 

45  joints  in  full  grown  specimens.  The  reproduc- 
tive organs  open  on  one  edge  of  the  joints,  the  first 
22  segments  having  both  male  and  female  organs, 
the  rest  only  female.  It  occurs  quite  frequently 
in  considerable  numbers,  in  the  cecum  and  colon  of 
the  horse,  and  more  rarely  in  the  small  intestine. 
The  development  and  the  source  from  which 
horses  derive  them  are  unknown.  The  larvae  may, 
perhaps,  live  in  insects  accidentally  swallowed 
with  grass.  It  does  not  appear  to  produce  any 
serious  disease,  unless  in  great  numbers,  and  may 
be  expelled  by  the  same  medicines  used  against 
the  human  tape-worms.     Fig.  21. 

A  still  smaller  species,  T.  mamillana  Mehlis,  only 
about  half  an  inch  long,  and  also  without  a  dis- 
tinct neck,  but  with  wedge-shaped  joints,  lives  in 
the  large  intestine  of  the  horse.  A  much  larger 
species  than  either  of  these  (T.  plicata  Rud)  lives 
in  the  small  intestine  and  sometimes  in  the  stom- 
ach of  the  horse.  It  grows  to  the  length  of  three 
feet  or  more,  and  has  a  remarkably  large  head, 
with  four  suckers,  but  no  hooks  or  proboscis.  The 
neck  is  short  and  thick,  transversely  plicated,  and 
the  reproductive  organs  are  in  a  single  series  on 
one  edge.  If  in  considerable  numbers,  this  species 
may  produce  serious  symptoms,  such  as  loss  of 
flesh,  tight  skin,  loss  of  strength  and  spirit,  and 
genera]  debility."    (Verrill.) 

Treatment:  Clean  out  the  horse  with  a  dosd 
of  physic,  then  mix  six  drams  of  powdered  areca* 
nut  and  forty  drops  of  the  oil  of  the  male  shield 
fern  in  a  pint  of  milk  and  give  at  one  dose.    The 


388  DISEASES   OF   HORSES    AND   CATTLE. 

horse  should  fast  for  five  hours,  at  least,  before 
giving  the  medicine.  In  two  hours  after  the  medi- 
cine has  been  given  the  horse  should  have  a  bran 
mash  and  on  the  following  day  give  one  quart  of 
raw  linseed  oil.  The  same  treatment  is  useful  for 
cattle. 

The  Sclerostoma  of  the  Horse,  also  called  the 
"Palisade  Worm"  or  Strongylus  Armatus. — This 
is  a  slender,  round  worm,  reddish    or  brownish 


Fig.  22— Palisade  Worm  in  a  Blood  Vessel 

in  color,  and  found  in  the  intestine  and  in 
peculiar  enlargements  of  the  arteries  of  horses, 
mules  and  asses.  The  male  usually  attains  to  one 
to  one  and  one-fourth  inches,  the  female  from  one 
and  one-half  to  two  inches  in  length.  The 
strongylus  armatus  minor  found  in  the  blood  ves- 
sels is  the  same  parasite  above  mentioned,  only  it 
is  in  a  sexually  immature  condition.  (Fig.  22.) 
This  parasite  is  very  common  in  the  horse,  and  is 


DISEASES   OF   HORSES    AND   CATTLE. 


389 


one  of  the  most  dangerous  worms  which  attack  any 
of  the  domestic  animals.  They  are  found  in  the 
cecum  and  colon,  but  may  find  their  way  into  the 
small  intestine.  They  are  supplied  with  hooks  or 
cup-shaped  capsules  by  which  they  adhere  firmly 
to  the  lining  membrane  of  the  intestines.  At  the 
point  of  attachment  small,  dark  colored  spots  arise 
which  sometimes  cover  a  considerable  portion  of 


Pig.  23— Portion  of  Wall  of  Caecum  of  Horse  showing  tumors 

of  different  size  due  to  Sclerostoma,  as  well  as  the  parasites 

fastened  to  the  mucus   membrane.     (After  Railliet.) 

the  intestine.  Usually,  however,  these  worms 
when  lodged  in  the  intestine  do  not  appear  to  pro- 
duce any  peculiar  symptom  by  which  we  could  de- 
tect them;  but  there  is  no  doubt  that  when  they 
are  present  in  large  numbers  they  must  cause  pain 
and  probably  inflammation  and  death. 

It  is  not  the  adult  worm  in  the  intestines  which 
•sually  produces  much  trouble,  but  the  young  im- 


390  DISEASES   OF  HORSES   AND   CATTLE. 

mature  worms  which  form  cysts  in  the  walls  of  the 
intestine;  within  these  cysts  or  tumors  the  young 
worms  are  coiled  up,  or  there  may  be  openings  in 
the  cyst  through  which  the  worm  has  recently 
emerged.  Fig.  23.  From  these  cysts  they  pass 
into  the  circulatory  system,  chiefly  the  anterior 
mesenteric  artery,  but  are  also  found  in  other  ar- 
teries in  the  abdominal  cavity.  Here  they  cause 
more  serious  results,  often  producing  aneurismal 
tumors  or  dilations  of  the  arteries.  Here  they 
grow  to  the  length  of  from  three  to  four  mm. 
After  a  time  they  are  carried  with  the  blood  into 
the  small  blood  vessels  of  the  intestines  where  they 
become  again  encysted,  develop  and  leave  the  cysts 
and  adhere  to  the  inner  wall  of  the  intestines  and 
after  a  time  attain  the  stage  of  sexual  maturity. 
While  these  parasites  are  in  the  blood  vessels  they 
disturb  the  circulation,  weakening  the  walls  of  the 
intestines,  preventing  them  from  performing  their 
function,  causing  colic  and  other  derangements  of 
the  intestines,  and  no  doubt  in  some  cases  re- 
sulting in  the  death  of  the  animal.  The  worms  in 
the  blood  vessels  and  those  encysted  cannot  be  re- 
moved by  medicines,  but  when  they  become  ma- 
tured in  the  intestines  they  can  usually  be  gotten 
rid  of  by  the  same  remedies  as  recommended  for 
round  worms. 


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owners.  Substantially  bound  in  cloth.  Price,  50c 
In  paper  cover,  25c 


DONOHUE'S  MANUAL 

of  General  Information 


"This  book  is  worth  its  weight  in  gold." 

This  is  the  most  compact,  concise  and  com- 
plete handy  manual  of  General  Information 
ever  published.  It  contains  the  latest  census 
statistics,  postal  regulations,  salaries  of  all 
government  officials,  valuable  tables,  and  a  vast 
fund  of  useful  information  found  only  in  a  hun- 
dred books,  each  costing  more  than  we  ask  for 
this  one.  Substantially  bound  in  cloth.  Price,  50c 
In  paper  cover,  25c 


Forsale  by  all  book  and  newsdealers  or  sent  postpaid  to  any 
address  in  the  United  States,  Canada  or  Mexioo  upon  receipt  of 
price  in  currency,  postal  or  express  money  order. 

M.  A.  DONOHUE  &  CO. 

7*1-727  S.  DEARBORN  STREET     M     CHICAGO 


OCT  o  7  igg 


0CT  1  5  1998 

SEP  2  2  iyyy 
APR  0  8  20( 


